Born in Juneau, Alaska Mike has spent most of his working career outside. After several years as a lead guide and Instructor at the Alaska Mountaineering School, Mike transitioned to winter avalanche work and has run the industrial forecasting and avalanche control program for Alaska Electric Light & Power in Juneau since 2010. An American Avalanche Association Certified Instructor and Pro Course Instructor, Mike also loves to teach avalanche courses. He has taught courses for the University of Alaska Southeast, Alaska Avalanche Specialists and Alaska Avalanche School. In addition to being the father of a family of aspiring dirt bags, Mike is also involved with the volunteer rescue group SEADOGS with his dog Otis training for Wilderness and Avalanche Search.