Mr Margreth, you’re now an Honorary Fellow of the American Avalanche Association, effectively the professional body for avalanche experts in the United States. Are you feeling proud?

Of course, and I’m very pleased too. The award shows you that what you’ve achieved in your life has a certain significance. After all, I’ve been working on avalanche protection at the SLF for 37 years, but I’ve always been active internationally as well as in Switzerland, and have supported experts from the US as well. It’s very gratifying to receive a lifetime achievement award after so many years.

Did it come as a big surprise?

It certainly did. I wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t even know I’d been nominated. I was actually in Whistler, Canada, for the International Snow Science Workshop. It was only on the day itself that I was told I should attend the American Avalanche Association’s Annual Member Meeting, which was taking place at the same time and in the same venue. But it wasn’t until my name was called out that I really understood what it was all about.

Your nomination highlights not only your expertise but also your focus on the practical relevance of your work.

That means that, ultimately, the award is also a testament to the SLF’s continuity. We don’t just carry out research; we’re also very closely involved in practical applications and real-world use. That’s where the SLF excels, and we need to make sure it stays that way. In my research group in particular, the focus is less on academic publications and more on advice, guidelines and practical guides, as well as training. We want to help solve problems linked to avalanches and snow. I think this award shows that we’ve done a good job of that over the past few decades.

How did you celebrate your award?

I didn’t celebrate at all, really. There was a conference gala dinner afterwards, but it had nothing to do with the award presentation.

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What exactly are… the American Avalanche Association and its Honorary Fellowship Award?

The American Avalanche Association, also known as A3, is a non-profit organisation founded in the United States in 1986. It sets national standards for avalanche education, supports avalanche professionals and advances snow safety research across the country. It is regarded as the professional association for avalanche specialists working in both research and practice.

A3 confers a number of honours, among them the Honorary Fellowship Award. The award recognises avalanche experts who have made significant contributions to avalanche programmes outside the United States and shared their work with professionals in the US. Around a third of those who have received the award are or have been affiliated with the SLF.