John Sykes
John's first experience with the Alaska Avalanche School was as a student in a level two course back in 2010. The course inspired John to pursue a career as an avalanche professional and after spending the following summer working as an intern for Alaska Mountaineering School John started working as an apprentice instructor in the winter of 2011/2012. He taught as many courses as he could over the next five years which provided him the opportunity to continue learning through both his students and fellow instructors. After completing all the courses available through AAS, John still wanted more and in 2016 started his graduate studies in snow science in the department of earth science at Montana State University. Still not satiated after completing his masters at MSU, John started a PhD program with the Simon Fraser University Avalanche Research Program in 2019, where he is currently in his fourth year of studies. John has is an avalanche forecaster for Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center and joined our board of directors in 2021. He is excited to help guide the school and maintain our high standards of avalanche education.
