After careful deliberation, the International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) 2020 Organizing Committee has made the difficult decision to reschedule the upcoming ISSW conference due to the many uncertainties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ISSW conference is now scheduled for October 3-8, 2021 and will remain in Fernie.

“While we are all disappointed by this development, we know it is the right thing to do at this time,” said Steve Kuijt, Conference Chair. “The health and safety of the conference delegates, our event volunteers, and our host community is our top priority. The current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the uncertainty over its resolution, leads us to take this decision. Additionally, we recognize that domestic and international travel restrictions will almost certainly affect the ability of many delegates to participate.”

The ISSW is a biennial conference, gathering avalanche and snow safety professionals from around the world. It is hosted on a rotational basis between Canada, the US, and Europe. “Our commitment to the conference and its goals remains strong,” added Kuijt. “Our local organizing committee has shifted its focus to next year. We are confident that we will host a terrific event and help to shine an international spotlight on our hometown.”

This conference is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants from 25 countries and poised to generate approximately $2 million for the local economy, benefiting accommodation, retail, dining, activity, transportation and service industry.

Lead image: Fernie’s booth at the ISSW 2018 Conference in Innsbruck, Austria. Submitted file photo

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