We are excited to welcome the newest member to the OpenSnow: Larry Schick becomes our first Meteorologist for the Pacific Northwest!

Known as The Grand Poobah of Powder, Larry is on a planned, yet unpredictable journey of fun.

After growing up in Laguna Beach, California, Larry became hooked on deep powder skiing at Kirkwood and all of the Lake Tahoe resorts. Larry spent 25 years as a TV Meteorologist at KING–TV in Seattle where he won awards for his TV science journalism reporting and also a national award for snowsports reporting. 

Larry now cherry picks the best powder days as he has skied more than 60 ski areas in the Western U.S. and British Columbia, including cat and heli skiing.

I had the chance to ask Larry a few questions ranging from his passion for weather, to his pick in this year's Super Bowl. 

Larry skiing Crystal Mountain, Washington. 

Sam: Where did your passion for weather come from? 

Larry: After winning a science fair with my weather exhibit in seventh grade, I knew I had a lifetime focus. The biggest connection is the obvious link between my outdoor lifestyle and the weather. My college weather and geology studies continued to fuel that connection. The weather is infinitely fascinating and I enjoy telling people about it. 

Sam: How long have you been forecasting weather in the PNW? 

Larry: More than three decades. I am really starting to get the hang of it.  

 

Larry skiing Stevens Pass, Washington. His group was hit by a small avalanche on the road headed home that day.

Sam: What are some of the challenges with forecasting weather in the PNW? 

Larry: It’s very complicated, as the storms come right off the Pacific and smash into the mountains. The terrain causes the airflows to be very complex, creating a variety of weather conditions.

Sam: What's your personal punishment for getting a forecast wrong? 

Larry: Eating broccoli would be an appropriate sentence.   

Sam: Perfect day of skiing is....

Lary: Blue skies, a foot of new, stellar views, skiing with a few friends…And I’m there because, I nailed the forecast.

Larry skiing Crystal Mountain, Washington

Sam: Super Bowl winner? Score? 

Larry: Seahawks win 27-20 

Sam: Anything you'd like to say to our audience? 

Larry: When I say go, you really should go or you'll regret it.

-----------

Sam Collentine | OpenSnow