What does it take to protect your favorite wild snowscapes—and who’s actually making those decisions?

Hilary Eisen, our National Policy Director at Winter Wildlands Alliance, joins the SnowBrains podcast with Miles Clark to peel back the curtain on how we're advocating for backcountry recreation access for all, how grassroots organizations play a vital role in public land management, the challenges and successes of navigating winter policy, and much more.

MEET HILARY EISEN:

Hilary is an avid backcountry skier and ice climber with a passion for wild landscapes. She leads Winter Wildlands Alliance's work on National Forest winter travel management, forest planning, and other policy issues. Hilary works with our members, grassroots and grasstops partners, agency staff, and elected officials to protect wild snowscapes across the United States.

Hilary started her career in public lands in the backcountry, maintaining Forest Service trails and educating the public about Wilderness stewardship as a Wilderness Ranger while spending winters working on wildlife research projects. Prior to joining WWA in 2014, she worked on public lands conservation in Wyoming and Montana. She received her B.A. in conservation biology from Middlebury College and a Master’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Montana.

Email Hilary at heisen@winterwildlands.org.

LINKS:

• The SnowBrains Podcast
• Learn more and support our policy work
• Follow @winterwildlandsalliance on Instagram
• Pledge to Ski Kind

CREDITS:

Trail Break Radio Producer: Emily Scott

SnowBrains Podcast: Created by Miles Clark, Edited by Liam Abbott, and music by Chad Croutch

Theme music:⁠ ⁠Rattlesnake Preachers⁠⁠ feat. Kerry McClay

How do we break down barriers to winter access and inspire the next generation of outdoor stewards? What does it take to connect 35,000 kids annually to snow, science, and conservation?

Kerry McClay, the founder and director of SnowSchool at Winter Wildlands Alliance, sits down with Life in Motion host Jeremy Lux to explore how SnowSchool has grown into a national program. Kerry shares his journey into outdoor education and conservation, discusses the importance of introducing kids to wild snowscapes, and highlights the challenges of making winter recreation accessible to all.

MEET KERRY MCCLAY:

Kerry joined Winter Wildlands Alliance in 2013 after helping establish the National Flagship SnowSchool site with Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area and the Boise National Forest. Kerry is a graduate of the University of Montana and Prescott College, and completed a Doctorate of Education at Boise State University. Working collaboratively with snow scientists and educators, Kerry designed the innovative SnowSchool curriculum now utilized across the US snow-belt to introduce thousands of children to the joy of exploring their local winter wildlands every season. Kerry lives in Boise and enjoys being outside whenever possible with his wife and their young daughter.

Email Kerry at kmcclay@winterwildlands.org.

LINKS:

⁠Life in Motion podcast

Learn more and support SnowSchool

@WWASnowSchool on Instagram

SPONSORED BY⁠:

Actual Outdoors

CREDITS:

Trail Break Radio Producer: Emily Scott

Life in Motion Host: Jeremy Lux with Illumine Collect

Theme music:⁠ ⁠Rattlesnake Preachers⁠⁠ feat. Kerry McClay

How do we address "The Hypocrite" in all of us? How much do our individual actions actually matter in the face of climate change and systemic environmental issues? Can we drop our judgments of others and of ourselves in order to take positive action and work together for the common good? Will snowmobilers and skiers ever find a way to get along?

Amie Engerbretson, snowmobiler, filmmaker and professional skier, sits down with David Page, Winter Wildlands Alliance’s  Executive Director, to shed light on the importance of uniting all outdoor enthusiasts—regardless of their recreational choices—in the fight against climate change while giving us a behind-the-scenes look at her latest film, "The Hypocrite."

MEET AMIE ENGERBRETSON:

Amie is a multifaceted professional skier known for her dynamic presence in the mountains. Beginning her skiing journey at Palisades Tahoe, she has since showcased her skills in renowned productions such as ‘Weak Layers,’ ‘Timeless,’ and ‘Boots Over Brim.’ With a degree in Media Management from Columbia College, Amie transitions often between roles behind and in front of the camera. Her diverse portfolio includes films, print, videos, and her podcast, "Long Underwear." Recognized for her climate advocacy, she was awarded the 2021 Alliance Member of the Year by Protect Our Winters for her impactful contributions to climate action.

Follow Amie on Instagram @AmieSki.

LINKS:

‘The Hypocrite’

⁠Backcountry Film Festival⁠

⁠Ski Kind⁠

SPONSORED BY⁠:

Mammoth Brewing Company’s Ski Kind Mountain Lager 

TRANSCRIPT:

(⁠⁠⁠available here⁠⁠⁠)

CREDITS:

Editor and Audio Engineer: Tess Goodwin

Host: David Page

Producer: Emily Scott

Theme music: ⁠Rattlesnake Preachers⁠ feat. Kerry McClay