WINTERSPORTS -- A man with 20 years of experience with safety in the snow industry has moved to Sandpoint to head the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Jeff Thompson joins IPAC as executive director after leaving his central Colorado post as head of Snow Safety for Beaver Creek Mountain. 

"He also brings extensive trails, wilderness, and winter sports experience from his many years working with the White River National Forest," says a release from the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

“I’m excited to encourage involvement from all people and groups who participate in winter recreation – from backcountry skiers to snowmobilers and snowbikers,” he said in the release. 

See the S-R's one-on-one Q&A with Thompson about the Avalanche Center.

In addition to his IPAC role, Thompson will be ski patrolling at Schweitzer Mountain alongside his canine companion Annie – a trained Avalanche Rescue dog. 

The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center forecasts avalanche conditions in the area's forests and offers numerous avalanche awareness educational opportunities and classes, most of which are free to the public. 

Info is posted during the season on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests website.

Here's what's posted on the IPAC website so far:

• Nov 8 – Winter 2016/17 Forecast   (6pm)               
• Nov 22 – Beacon Practice and Avy Gear Review  (6pm)
• Dec 6 – Avalanche Rescue (6pm)
• Dec 20 – Using and Understanding Avalanche Advisories  (6pm)
• Jan 5 – Sidecountry – Skiing safely out-of-bounds (6pm)
• Jan 24 – Snowbikes – Riding, gear, and avalanche safety (6pm)
• Feb 7 – February is prime avalanche time in North Idaho  (6pm)
• Mar 7 – Spring touring and riding tips  (6pm)

• Coming soon! For information on classes in the Silver Valley call Dan Frigard, (208) 783-2130.

• Coming soon! Contact Nate Sparks or Blair Geiger, (208) 769-1511.