JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Authorities at Snow King announced today the creation of a free avalanche beacon park—a place where the skiing community could practice using transceivers and develop avalanche rescue skills.
“For many Jackson residents, the opportunity to ski in the backcountry is what draws them to our community,” said Snow King Mountain Resort general manager Ryan Stanley. “Snow King is committed to safety in the backcountry and this free beacon park allows us to do our part in keeping area residents and visitors safe.”
The beacon park is located just to the west of King Tubes, the tube park at the base of Snow King Mountain. The park is free and open to the public daily from 7am to 9pm.
Snow King partnered with Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR), the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club Backcountry Program, and Teton Mountaineering to open the park. Proceeds from the sale of uphill passes are used to help fund the park.
Stephanie Thomas, executive director of TCSAR, said, “Backcountry Zero, a project of TCSAR Foundation, is focused on reducing fatalities and injuries in the backcountry and we recognize that the beacon park at Snow King is a great asset to our community. We can’t stress enough how important it is to get regular practice with your equipment and the Snow King Beacon Park makes that feasible for many people who live and work in town.”
The park features a Backcountry Access Wireless Beacon Training System designed to make it easier and more efficient to practice with avalanche transceivers. Eight waterproof transmit boxes are controlled wirelessly through a portable, weatherproof control panel. To change the scenario, participants flick the on/off switches on the control panel.
“JHSC is excited to launch a Backcountry Program serving our athletes and the community, and get on board with the national movement to increase awareness among youth and competitive snowsport athletes,” said Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club executive director Brian Krill. “The Snow King beacon park is a great step in this direction and will help us get the word out about our backcountry initiatives, and serve the community with education and fun activities.”
Training parks are not new for the area, but one located in the center of town will likely get plenty of use.
Teton Mountaineering assistant manager Mike Keating said, “Teton Mountaineering has been proud to promote avalanche safety and education to the local skiing community for over 30 years. Although beacon training parks have been available in the Teton area for over a decade their locations limited the amount of use they received. Now that one is at the town hill there is no excuse not to practice regularly, especially with the way this winter’s snow pack is shaping up.”
Snow King’s version also utilizes new wireless technology, eliminating signal interference issues.
Future plans are to locate the park higher up the mountain.
