Tom Vogl
I recently taught an AIARE 1 course with The Mountaineers at Baker Lodge. One of the topics I always try to cover with my field group is human factors such as “heuristics.” Heuristics are shortcuts our brain utilizes to help us assess risk in day-to-day life, including in the backcountry.
Sometimes these shortcuts are highly useful. For example, a common heuristic in the backcountry is the sense of alert we feel on snow or loose rock that signifies the possibility of an objective hazard, like rockfall or a wind slab avalanche. Other times, these mental shortcuts can be dangerous, like when participants fall subject to the “expert halo” and defer to the most experienced person in the group, even when that person might be overlooking an important observation.
One of the ways I encourage students to counteract the potentially dangerous impacts of heuristics is by creating environments where all participants feel empowered to voice themselves – or, in other words, by respecting all voices. When participants feel like their voice and experience are valued, the group can make better collective decisions and lower their risk profile.
Listening to and valuing all voices is an important part of risk management. It’s also an important part of building a welcoming and inclusive Mountaineers culture that prioritizes safe experiences for our community. Recently, programs across the country that strive to create inclusive spaces have been politicized and challenged. In response, many members have asked me if we are going to modify or abandon our commitment to equity and inclusion in the face of these changes.
The quick answer is no. Our vision to become a more welcoming and inclusive organization is rooted in our core values – notably, community. We provide opportunities for all because every member of our community should have access to transformative experiences outdoors. And when we facilitate transformative outdoor experiences where people feel emotionally safe, heard, and respected, we make better decisions and quite literally reduce risk. As an avalanche educator, reducing risk is one of my primary learning outcomes, and reducing risk by respecting all voices is just as important as learning snow science or rescue skills.
One of the truly unique and amazing things about our community is how we come together to share our love of the outdoors and connect with people from all walks of life. Striving for this belonging is not political; it’s simply how we support one another: by experiencing the natural world in a way that brings people together. My hope is that – during a time of increased divisiveness – The Mountaineers can continue to be a place where people find unity and belonging.
This article originally appeared in our spring 2025 issue of Mountaineer magazine. To view the original article in magazine form and read more stories from our publication, visit our magazine archive.
