After 17.75 years of public service as Senior Avalanche Officer, I am turning the page to the next chapter in the private sector. Safetywrangler dot calm.
BESIDE Magazine Issue 17 — Art Direction. @beside_magazine , 2025.
In “Science of Snow”, @mariecharles introduces us to John “Buff” Buffery—a certified backcountry guide, Senior Avalanche Officer for the BC Ministry of Transportation, and risk management educator. Retracing more than four decades spent reading mountains and interpreting the subtle language of snow, he reminds us that “to understand snow, you must see the mountain as a living archive.”
Through variations in visual weight, the opening page uses typography to evoke the stratified nature of snow, where fragile and compact layers accumulate over time. Photographs by @dustinlalikphoto draw us into its density and texture, compelling us to follow @jbuffery into the landscape.
⛩Signature👽week⛩
🏔️ Who John “Buff” Buffery Is • Experienced mountain guide and avalanche specialist in Canada — Buffery has spent decades guiding skiers, snowboarders, filmmakers, and others safely through hazardous mountain environments and teaching avalanche awareness.  • He’s known for his deep experiential knowledge of avalanche risk management, decision-making in avalanche terrain, and backcountry safety education.  • Buffery has worked in roles including Senior Avalanche Officer for the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, where he was involved in avalanche forecasting and control operations.  • He’s certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and has guided many professional snowboarders and skiers, such as Craig Kelly and Travis Rice, earning him a strong reputation within both safety and freeride mountain communities. 
🧠 Why He’s Called a Guru
Buffery isn’t just a field guide — he’s also known for: • teaching avalanche courses with a practical emphasis on real-world decision-making, not just theory.  • mentoring other avalanche professionals and backcountry guides.  • blending mountain risk management with leadership and communication lessons that help others understand and manage danger in avalanche terrain. 
#alkalinelodge
#stayalkaline
#reallivinglegend
#buff
Craig Elmer Kelly introduced me to Terje Håkonsen in Alaska when he was 19. Then years later Terje sponsored a Dog sled/ snowboard adventure to Greenland, as seen here.
Craig split my world open. I wish we had more adventures together, but the ones we had were life changing. Miss ya Pal.
