Get into the head and mindset of pro athlete Ian Mcintosh, pro mountain guide Doug Workman

As part of TGR's 2024 Safety Week, we're stoked to share a few impactful digital short videos with our community - from getting into Ian "Mac" McIntosh's head to gleaning training tips from Mammut's avalanche safety program manager, Doug Workman.

Ian McIntosh Shares Some Lessons Learned From 20 Years as a Pro Skier

Now over 20 years into his career as a professional skier, Mammut athlete Ian McIntosh has more than a few things to share about backcountry safety. His biggest one is the lesson he's learned about mindset. These days, after so many years, his biggest realization has been that he's no longer trying to impress anyone - he's just doing it because it's what he truly loves. That mindset translates into everything he does in the mountains, sharing these experiences safely with friends, and always being ready to back down knowing that there's always another day for it.

Location: Alaska | Photo: Nic Alegre

Mac also swears by the gear he carries with him in the backcountry. That includes a Mammut Barryvox S avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and an airbag pack, which he fills with the essentials like a radio, snacks, water, extra layers and emergency gear depending on the day.

Mac at home and at ease in Alaska. | Photo: Nic Alegre

Worst Case With Workman - Training For Avalanche Rescue

We never want to experience the worst case in the backcountry - watching a friend get buried in an avalanche. However, dealing with an avalanche rescue is just the beginning. Do you know what to do once you have a victim recovered? Are you carrying the proper equipment to keep them warm and attend to any injuries? Do you have a reliable way to call for external help, or transport an injured friend to safety?

Location: Grand Targhee Resort | Photo: Max Ritter

These are all the questions that Mammut's avalanche safety program manager Doug Workman asks himself before he heads into the backcountry to ski or ride every day. They are also the basis of what every TGR athlete trains for during IPRW - where we practice extensively to simulate the worst case including transporting patients through complex terrain, building overnight shelters, and keeping our backcountry medical skills sharp.

What's in Pro Mountain Guide Doug Workman's Backcountry Pack?

What you carry in your winter backcountry pack can make the difference between staying alive and dying when things go south in the mountains. We chatted with professional mountain guide and Mammut avalanche safety program manager Doug Workman about what he carries every day, and there's some things that may surprise you.

Location: Grand Targhee Resort | Photo: Max Ritter

Of course, there is basic avalanche rescue gear including a beacon (which of course should be worn on your body), shovel and probe. Workman also carries a first aid kit and a basic repair kit that includes enough material to repair a ski or snowboard binding and boot, as well as a firestarter, heat packs, and a few ski straps. On top of that, he always carries a VHF radio and a satellite communicator to call for help if he needs it. Finally, he carries a guide notebook for recording snow and weather observations, some water and snacks, and a warm puffy jacket.