Ep 15. Avalanche Airbags

Avalanche Airbags is the fifteenth and final episode of the sixth season of Innovation Nation. Hosted by Mo Rocca, this episode delves into the world of snow sports and how technology is being used to make them safer.

The episode opens with a segment on avalanche airbags, which are worn by skiers and snowboarders to prevent them from being buried under snow in the event of an avalanche. Rocca visits the company Mammut in Switzerland, which produces the airbags and tests them under extreme conditions. Viewers learn how the airbags work and the science behind them, as well as the importance of safety equipment in snow sports.

Next, Rocca meets with a different type of snow athlete - a winter Olympian. He visits the home of freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy and chats with him about his training, his experience at the Pyeongchang Olympics, and his dedication to animal rights. Kenworthy is also passionate about using his platform to promote LGBTQ+ issues, and Rocca highlights how athletes can use their success to bring attention to important causes.

In another segment, Rocca visits the headquarters of Snowvation, a company that uses 3D scanning and printing technology to create custom ski and snowboard equipment. The company's founder, who was inspired to pursue this technology after breaking his own skis, explains how he can create equipment that is tailored to each athlete's body and skiing style. Rocca also speaks with professional snowboarder Chas Guldemond, who has worked with Snowvation to create a board that perfectly suits his needs.

The episode continues with a spotlight on the snow grooming machines that keep ski slopes in top condition. Rocca visits a company that builds and maintains these machines, and learns about the technology that goes into making them efficient and effective. He also chats with a ski resort manager about the importance of keeping slopes in good condition for both safety and enjoyment.

Finally, Rocca takes a look at a futuristic technology that could revolutionize snow sports: virtual reality. He visits a company that has developed a VR experience that allows users to ski or snowboard in a virtual world, with realistic terrain and weather. Rocca tries out the experience for himself and speaks with the company's founder about the potential applications of this technology.

Throughout the episode, Rocca emphasizes the importance of safety and responsible behavior in snow sports. He highlights the role of technology in making these sports safer and more enjoyable, but also notes that no technology can replace common sense and good judgment. By showcasing the latest in snow sports innovation, Avalanche Airbags is an exciting and informative episode for anyone interested in skiing, snowboarding, or winter sports.