Meet the ACC's lead winter guide, Doug Latimer

 
 

About a year ago we opened up a new position at the ACC for a Lead Winter Guide, and we’re happy to say that Doug Latimer filled that role. He has over 20 years of guiding experience behind him as an ACMG ski guide and an ACMG apprentice rock guide. As well as his private guiding he has spent a number of years working for the UoC where he taught a range of instructional programs in avalanche training, crevasse rescue and backcountry ski and ski mountaineering.

If you’ve ever been a student of Doug’s, you already know how much of a personable and accommodating person he is. He’s also a good storyteller and often speaks quite fondly about how much of a joy it is to share his backcountry experiences with his family. This is an important connection to make as a student, since you’re more likely to retain information if you trust and believe that your instructor genuinely cares about your safety.

Doug’s an all-around good guy though, so it was a pleasure to sit down and ask him a few questions about his career and share some of his internet appearances and resources.

If you plan on taking a course with Doug in the future, feel free to ask plenty of questions and be prepared for in depth answers on the snow, human factors and the history of the area.

A few questions with Doug

When did you start backcountry skiing and what brought you to the activity?

When I was 17, I started backcountry skiing and managed to get out for a weekend or two in Jasper. To be honest, I don't remember why I started. The bindings looked really cool (Silvretta 400), but I can't remember my motivation. My real fascination was with climbing.

Has skiing changed for you now that you have a family?

Skiing has changed since it became my occupation. There are relatively few opportunities to ski recreationally, when I do, it is almost always with my family. If the opportunity presented itself, I would probably ski the same kinds of trips with my family as I do as a guide.

Any special or particular days out skiing that have left a deep impact?

Skiing with my son is very satisfying, but that's probably not what you are looking for. On one trip I remember bringing the group to the hut and discovering the food cache was missing. While the group settled in for the evening, I skied out alone to the next food cache at another hut. Skiing out alone into the setting sun and returning in moonlight was a really beautiful and peaceful time to myself.

On another tour, upon reaching the Bow hut I discovered the clients had booked the Peyto. This wouldn't be a problem other than it was getting dark and we were travelling in near whiteout conditions. We skied in the dark without any landmarks. I decided to try dead reckoning (using no navigational instruments) and located the hut based on the wind and my memory of the landscape. Much to my surprise and amazement, we found the hut, right where I thought it should be.

What made you want to pursue guiding as a career?

 I'm not sure I know.

What’s something you’d like students who have signed up for your courses to know ahead of time? 

Participants should know that I enjoy and appreciate being questioned and challenged. So long as the discussion is thoughtful and mutually respectful, questioning my presentation, or challenging my position based on facts or a structured argument provides an opportunity for everyone to learn and forces me to re-evaluate my position on a subject. Some of my best breakthroughs in teaching and comprehension have come from being questioned or from others finding flaws in my beliefs.

When you’re out skiing in avalanche terrain, is there anything you like to remind yourself in order to assist decision-making?

The first thing I need to remember is that I could be wrong. Not that I often make mistakes, but that this is a possibility and I need to constantly reassess and look for alternatives and escape options whenever possible. I like to voice my decision-making process aloud so others around me are part of the conversation. This also forces me to be coherent and have a logical and evidence based explanation for my decisions.

Learn avi safety and ski with us!

Many of our winter courses are taught and led by Doug! With four different levels of avalanche training courses, we have right course to suit expert and beginner alike. Afterwards, hop on our backcountry ski programs to find the powder and/or learn the skills to do it independently and safely afterwards. Doug Latimer’s got the knowledge and expertise to make it happen and we hope you join us!

 
 
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