Item: THE RUN LIST IN MECHANISED SKIING: HISTORY, EVOLUTION AND CURRENT PRACTICE
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Title: THE RUN LIST IN MECHANISED SKIING: HISTORY, EVOLUTION AND CURRENT PRACTICE
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Peter Macpherson [ Canadian Mountain Holidays, Banff, AB, Canada ]
- Scott Thumlert [ Canadian Mountain Holidays, Banff, AB, Canada ] [ Alpine Solutions, Canada ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Managing exposure to avalanche hazard through terrain selection is the primary avalanche risk mitigation strategy in winter backcountry guiding. The run list is a foundational operational tool that provides structured decision support: guides assess terrain, explicitly select appropriate terrain for the conditions, and communicate daily terrain decisions. Originally conceived at Canadian Mountain Holidays by guide Thierry Cardon, the run list began as a binary open or closed system and has since evolved into a nuanced decision-making tool recognized across the mechanized ski industry. This paper traces the historical origins of the run list, examines the progressive introduction of more sophisticated run treatment, colour coding categories from green and red to yellow and magenta, and describes the formalisation of supporting structures including the yellow flag process and a run coding algorithm. Today, the run list is required for HeliCat Canada membership and plays a central role in most daily guides meetings. Its evolution reflects broader developments in avalanche hazard assessment, organizational risk management, and professional mountain guiding.
Object ID: ISSW2026_O10.3.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098494
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Peter Macpherson
Keywords: run list, run coding, mechanized skiing, Canadian Mountain Holidays, terrain selection, avalanche risk management, decision-making
Page Number(s): 870 - 875
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