Those of you with the cold-weather tolerance for snow sports have a couple options when headed to well-maintained slopes: You can choose equipment that’s easy to use; or go with gear that requires training.

Both options boast equal safety levels. The bummer is for boarders who want to explore untended backcountry powder, but don’t want to invest time and money in complicated training-required gear. There’s no option that’s both easy and safe.

Senior Lily Kolle (Industrial Design 2011) recognized this gap in the market and identified a design opportunity. For an ID studio course, Lily created Air Optics to offer simpler protection from backcountry avalanches, concealed holes in the snow, and deep drifts.

Avalung technology diverts carbon dioxide exhalation to the back of the mask, which allows users to breathe even if buried deep beneath the snow.

Skiers can communicate with their partners through the built-in Bluetooth technology, which also serves as a location-assistance device. And to an untrained eye like mine, you still look like you spent a lot of time learning how to use your gear.

Learn more about Lily's design process and final product by watching the slideshow.

See Industrial Design for additional information about this undergraduate program, including how to apply.