WE ARE JUST OVER SIX MONTHS away from welcoming you to Whistler for ISSW 2026, from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. Early-bird registration is open, so head on over to book your spot.
TECHNICAL PROGRAM UPDATE
The technical program is taking shape and the latest preliminary program is available on our website. As always, the central goal of ISSW is to set the stage for meaningful dialogue and stimulate the merging of theory and practice across the international avalanche community. The program will evolve as abstracts are received and reviewed, so we encourage delegates to check the website regularly for updates
as sessions and topics are confirmed.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Abstract submissions are open and we strongly encourage practitioners, researchers, and professionals from across the spectrum to submit their work for consideration. ISSW thrives on contributions that reflect real-world challenges, applied research, operational innovations, and lessons learned from the field. Whether your work is rooted in theory, practice, or somewhere in between, we invite you to share your insights and help shape the conversation.
CALL FOR REVIEWERS
We are seeking qualified people to support the technical review process. This is a valuable way to contribute to the conference, help shape the technical program, and engage with emerging ideas in avalanche science and practice. CAA members can receive CPD points for participating as reviewers. Details and sign-up information can be found here.
WORKSHOPS
We have finalized some exciting workshops that will take place on October 3 in Whistler following the conference. These include but are not limited to:
- Ski Cutting—Applications and Best Practices for Avalanche Hazard Reduction
- Bringing Snowpack Modelling into Operations with AvaCollabra
- Hands-On Tutorial—Automating Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale Mapping with Open-source Tools
- Communication in Public Avalanche Forecasting
Visit issw2026.com/workshops for the latest list of offerings
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are currently in development and will be announced once finalized. Some possibilities include exploring the avalanche program at Whistler Blackcomb and a trip up the Duffy to discuss the Canadian model for avalanche risk management of our transportation corridors. These are just a few options, as Whistler and the surrounding Coast Mountains provide an exceptional setting for a diverse range of technical and operational field experiences. Explore the exciting options here.
SPONSORSHIP
Thank you to our partners and the sponsors who have helped to make this possible.
- Partners: Canadian Avalanche Association and Whistler Blackcomb
- Title Sponsors: Wyssen and Arc’teryx
- Safety Sponsors: CIL Avalanche and MND Safety
- Supporting Sponsors: Inauen-Schatti AG, Geopraevent, and Mammut
- Contributing Sponsors: Gravimon and AVSS
- Welcome Reception Sponsor: HeliCat Canada
- Coffee and Social Hour Sponsors: Canadian Mountain Holidays, Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing, and Alpine Solutions.
We are actively looking for sponsors and exhibitors for the week, particularly for the daily coffee and social hours. Please check out the remaining sponsorship opportunities on our website and email us if you are interested.
ACCOMMODATION
Looking for accommodation? Book your room now at AAVA Hotel, our accommodation partner, to get the best rates. We are currently over half-full, so rooms are going fast! We are also looking into some more affordable camping options, so stay tuned on that.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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See you in Whistler!
