Photo: Carson Meyer


MARGUERITE VAN KOMEN

Ski Patrol Veteran, Dog Lover, Educator

Photo: Gadi Schwartz

I was born and raised by these mountains here in the Wasatch and they are a huge part of who I am today”

I started my career as an avalanche professional in the iconic little cottonwood canyon at Snowbird Ski Resort in 2005, and was raised up by some of the best men and women in the business. I joined Wasatch Backcountry Rescue in 2005 and became a member of their board of trustees in 2017. Now as lead coordinator for WBR, I help facilitate the training and certification of all the avalanche rescue K-9’s across the 9 wasatch front ski resorts.

Sliding on snow has become not only my career, but one of my many passions I get to seek out here in Utah. I am constantly wanting to be in nature and playing with my family and friends in it. From skiing in and out of bounds to mtn biking, kayaking, trail running, and hiking, you name it I wanna go out and play.I have seen quite a boom of interest in folks wanting to come out and share in this beautiful place we have here, and I want to help folks learn how to accomplish their missions safely. It is my goal to have an educated user base here in the Wasatch. From knowing how to negotiate terrain, practicing avalanche awareness, what to bring, and tips and tricks of the trade.


BORN

Salt Lake City, Utah

RESIDES

Salt Lake City, Utah

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • 15+ years on Patrol @ Snowbird
  • Avalanche 1, 2 & 3 certifications
  • 15+ years rescue work with Wasatch Backcountry Rescue
  • Howitzer Loader and Assistant Gunner for UDOT and Snowbird Avalanche Safety
  • Patrol Trainer 7 years
  • Instructor with Utah Avalanche Center women’s beacon clinics
  • Rope rescue technician