Bill MacDougald

(PRO)

Bill is a native of Colorado and grew up adventuring on the rivers and mountains of the western US. He began his love for the outdoors in the early 80’s after completing an Outdoor Leadership Course. He has been pursuing his passion for skiing and the outdoors ever since.

In 1984 Bill started his ski patrol career at a small resort in southern Colorado, after one season he joined the Breckenridge ski patrol. This is where he got his first taste for snow safety through his mentors Lee Metzger and Nick Logan.  After being involved in an avalanche rescue on Peak 7 in 1987, his focus on ski patrol changed to avalanche rescue and snow science. Bill became an Avalanche Technician in the early 90’s and he played an integral part in the expansion of both Peak 7 and the Lake Chutes.  

The 87 incident was also a catalyst for the development of the Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment program (CRAD). Bill was on the first team at Breckenridge and continues his involvement with the Vail ski patrol which he joined in the early 2000’s.

Bill’s passion for snow safety and avalanche rescue has played a major role in his career, with his desire for sharing his experiences, has evolved to becoming an educator.  

He became an adjunct instructor for Colorado Mountain College in 2010.  Bill is a level 4 whitewater kayak and swift water rescue instructor. Along with teaching white water leadership courses for the college, he has been an instructor for CMC’s Avalanche Science Program since 2019.

Bill is a professional member of the AAA with both Pro 2 and ProAvSAR certifications along with completing the AAA Pro 2 Trainer workshop. He is excited to expand his opportunities for teaching and learning through SAS this season.