Meet Roz Reynolds | Hard Worker & Avid Skier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roz Reynolds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roz, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I work with avalanche mitigation systems and my job involves snow, skis, helicopters, explosives, mechanical parts, and mountains. My job is very interesting and engaging, but what people not familiar with this work do not realize is how stressful it can be. Working in the avalanche realm, one understands how much uncertainty is involved with snow conditions and avalanche hazards.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my professional journey at CSU where I studied Civil Engineering. After dappling in engineering, I changed direction from that world to pursue a skiing and climbing lifestyle. In 2016, I became acquainted with Wyssen Avalanche Control, a Swiss company, at a conference. They were not yet in the United States. I was hired in 2017 and was tasked with kick starting the US subsidiary and managing operations in the United States. I have worked on projects in the USA and in Canada promoting systems that make avalanche mitigation safer and more efficient as well as avalanche detection systems. Since I started in 2017, the business has grow from one system in the US to 26 systems and counting.

This was not easy, I had no knowledge of how to set up a business or how to acquire projects. However, what I did have was the confidence to learn and to try. I enjoyed the challenge and appreciate that my work has helped me and my community grow. For me, breaking the norm and being a female leader in this industry has been worthwhile, but not without its challenges. I would encourage folks to question barriers society has put up and to lift each other up as a community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start with an evening at Avanti either in Denver or Boulder. Particularly Quiero Arepas, I love their Arepas! I would suggest a few drinks there, dinner, desert, and people watching. The Avanti in Boulder has a great rooftop view of the flatirons at Sunset.

The next day, depending on the friend and weather, we would go climb a flatiron or go hiking in the flatirons.

We would spend and afternoon at Union Station and then the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and then an evening practicing hand stands at The Training Den.

Lastly, we would go to the Dushanbe Tea House in Boulder and then shop at Ku Cha Tea. You can drink hot boba tea there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shout out to my family. My whole life they have been there and supported me! Shout out to my mom, dad, and sister. I am fortunate to have a family that sparked my curiosity and helped me pursue whatever my passions were.

Instagram: @roz9reynolds

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJPPPbDZNHM

Image Credits
Jasper Thompson, Chris Watson