Instructor Bios

Travis Brock
Travis has been skiing since he was 2 years old and climbing in the mountains for the last 15 years. He has been patrolling at Eldora since 2006 and has made ski descents throughout Colorado, Sierra Nevada, Wasatch, and British Columbia. Travis has been working in the outdoor industry for 12 years, including 8 years as a guide and outdoor educator. He is an AIARE Level 2 graduate and an AIARE Level 1 Course Instructor.

Colin Mitchell
Colin has been skiing and climbing the mountains of Colorado since moving to Boulder in 1995. He has also done ski descents in the Cascades, Tetons and Sierras. He has been patrolling since 2003, and teaching at the Eldora Avalanche School since 2005. He is a level 1, 2 and 3 AIARE graduate, a level 1 AIARE course leader, and a level 2 AIARE instructor.

Matt Phillips
Matt has been patrolling since the late 80's.  He is a Berthoud Powder Guide and Avalanche instructor and an AIARE Level 2 graduate. A few years ago he skied every day for 100 days straight.

Michael Smith
As a Ski Patrol Director and Senior Instructor for the Avalanche School I am fortunate to work with, in my opinion, some of the best instructors around. I grew up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and have played in the backcountry most of my life. I have taken AIARE Levels 1, 2, and 3 as well as numerous Instructor Trainings. I am a qualified Level 1 and 2 course leader, as well as a Professional Member of the American Avalanche Association. Avalanche education is one of the most gratifying and important parts of my job.