Mountain Sense & Backcountry Education w/ Mark Smiley (Ep.230)

On the Blister Podcast, we’re talking about mountain safety, backcountry education, and pedagogy with IFMGA guide, Mark Smiley, the creator of Mountain Sense.
Mark Smiley

If you spend time in the mountains, then it’s crucial to always be learning — there are new skills to acquire, and old skills to brush up on. Today, we’re talking about mountain safety, backcountry education, and pedagogy — what are the most effective ways to convey and instill information? — with Mark Smiley, an IFMGA certified mountain guide, and the creator of Mountain Sense (mtnsense.com), which is an online collection of video courses designed to make you a more informed and more skilled backcountry traveler. Consider this a must-listen to help you think about your own level of preparation.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • From Indiana to IFMGA guide (7:19)
  • When did you start skiing? (11:01)
  • What is Mountain Sense? (17:59)
  • Is Mountain Sense a supplement or alternative to other courses? (20:24)
  • Who is Mountain Sense for? (23:23)
  • How has Mountain sense been received? (36:26)
  • Favorite safety equipment & gear? (47:08)
  • Final Thoughts (59:13)

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1 comment on “Mountain Sense & Backcountry Education w/ Mark Smiley (Ep.230)”

  1. I’ve bought several of Mark’s courses, and I wholeheartedly recommend them. A couple years ago my college son was telling me about taking his friends climbing and having to do some shenanigans. My first thought was “holy crap, that’s never taught him that, how did he figure that out?” About that same time I heard Mark on another podcast, so I went right over and bought his rappelling course and went through it with my kids. The videos are great, they’re fun to watch, you can build the anchors or do the skill along with him and pause when necessary, you can brush up every year. The avy material is first rate, very practical. I’d give him a five star rating.

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