Michael is an educator, adventurer and mountain professional from Colorado’s Western Slope. He embodies over two decades of personal & professional experience and hard-earned wilderness wisdom. Ack specializes in training elite teams and experienced leaders to excel in challenging and austere environments while maximizing logistical efficiencies, tactical advantage and strategic excellence. From the boardroom to the backcountry, he has enjoyed a rich career leading and educating diverse demographics while inspiring colleagues & students of all ability levels. Michael has an indefatigable commitment to the natural world and an inexhaustible love of wild places everywhere.

Ack pursued his formal education at Prescott College, Fort Lewis College and Harvard University. Since receiving his BA in Adventure Education in 1999, Ack has worked as a rock, mountain, splitboard and river guide, ski patroller, backcountry educator, avalanche forecaster, dog handler, wilderness medicine trainer, SAR technician, high angle rescuer and collegiate faculty member.

At the avalanche school, Michael has held the role of faculty member, course leader, Director of Recreational Programs and Deputy Director of Operations. As the school celebrates its 60th birthday Ackerman now serves as the organization’s Executive Director. He is responsible for all of SAS's operations and oversees the school's REC, PRO, Rescue, Mechanized, Forecasting, Canine, Tactical, Industrial and custom training programs. Together, with the Silverton Avalanche School's Board of Trustees, Michael is responsible for shaping the vision, growth and strategic direction of the school.