JACKSON, Wyo. — A few local organizations are teaming up to present an evening that will explore mountain rescues, expectations, technologies and the ever-evolving practice of alpine recovery.
Mountain Rescue: Past, Present, and Future will be hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. at Black Diamond Equipment at 160 W. Pearl Ave. on Thursday, Oct. 1. Join representatives from Teton Climbers’ Coalition, Teton Backcountry Alliance, and Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) for a free discussion with pizza and beverages.
According to a press release, three mountain rescue experts will share their thoughts on the changing nature of the topic, as well as its implications for mountaineers and rescuers. Speakers will include former Jenny Lake climbing ranger and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patroller Jim Springer; Dave Wade, founder and director of Slava Topol Project that helps facilitate mountain rescues on Lenin Peak in Kyrgyzstan; and Dr. Will Smith, of TCSAR and the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR).
“Things have changed from when mountaineers assumed responsibility to self-rescue, to today when there is an expectation that help is just a phone call and helicopter ride away,” Wade said in a statement. “As mountain rescue moves boldly into the future with the use of drones and other modern technology, local rescuers continue to pioneer new techniques making the [formerly] impossible a new reality.”
The three speakers will discuss topics aligned with their individual expertise. Springer plans to examine the history of mountain rescues in the Tetons and the way Grand Teton National Park rangers helped introduce search and rescue (SAR) practices in the U.S. Wade will report on his efforts in creating a mountain rescue system for the 7,000-meter Lenin Peak, which draws 1,500 mountaineers annually and previously had no SAR agency. Smith will lead a panel discussion about the future of mountain rescue, including the use of drone technology.
