Simon Trautman

is the Director of the USDA Forest Service National Avalanche Center and lives in Bellingham, Washington. Growing up in Wyoming, he developed a deep respect for snow and avalanches after experiencing their power firsthand, both triggering and getting caught in them at a young age. His path led him to the Navy, then to Montana State University, where he conducted wet snow avalanche research, before working as an avalanche forecaster in Montana, Colorado, Idaho, and Washington. In the summer, he splits his time between biking and boating. When he’s not studying snow, he enjoys a good laugh—Grumpier Old Men remains a favorite.