The contribution Willi Pfisterer has made to mountain life and safety in the Canadian Rockies is in a word, remarkable. Credited with more than 700 rescues during four decades of work, Pfisterer’s death at 83 years of age is a time for mourning, but also recognition for pioneering methods that have saved many.

Those plucked off of mountains or out of backcountry valleys owe Pfisterer a debt of gratitude.

Those who pass through avalanche-free terrain along the Icefields Parkway, owe Pfisterer a debt of gratitude.

Those enjoying terrain at Marmot Basin, owe Pfisterer a debt of gratitude.

Those located by specially-trained rescue dogs, owe Pfisterer a debt of gratitude.

Those who have had an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides individual lead them through dangerous passes, owe Pfisterer a debt of gratitude.

The list goes on, as he along with a handful of other Jasperites set the standard for mountain safety.

Borrowing from his Austrian roots (he came from a family of mountain guides), he helped lay the foundation for the work many rescue and public safety officers use today. Canada’s understanding of avalanches grew with his help thanks to his work with the Avalanche Research Program at Roger’s Pass.

It wasn’t always easy, and for quite some time, improvisation and trial and error were common techniques in the early days 

“To qualify for mountain rescue work, you have to pass our test. The doctor holds a flashlight to your ear. If he can see light coming out the other one, you qualify,” he said. But his sense of humour and dependable nature earned the respect and trust of many, including former prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. 

He helped found the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, adding a level of professionalism and recognition to a difficult job, crafting the rigourous testing required that still challenges the limits of young men and women today.

Many mountain guides and backcountry adventurers worth their salt keep many stories to themselves. However there is something to be gained from those tales as the knowledge gained by men such as Pfisterer is passed through the generations. These are part of Canada’s mountain culture, an often overlooked aspect of the developing frontier. His, along with other mountain pioneers such as Hans Gmoser and Peter Fuhrman, should be preserved and treasured.

Pfisterer is credited with scaling more than 1,500 peaks during his lifetime. Perhaps someday it would be fitting to see one adorn his name.

24 hours of awesome

Kudos to the Jasper competitors who took part in 24 Hours of Adrenalin. It is a testament to this tiny town’s commitment to athleticism that it produced so many strong results. Just over 40 riders completed the solo competition - six of those were from Jasper, including those finishing in first, second, sixth, tenth and eleventh place. Per capita, no community can touch that accomplishment. 

Jasper Source for Sports again took top spot from Canmore’s hometown riders, and the Freewheel Skinnys finally broke through with a podium finish.

Jasper’s riders have once again made the community proud.