2023 Host: Snowmass Ski Resort and Snowmass Ski Patrol

This course is designed for avalanche search and rescue professionals, both dog handlers and technicians looking to develop their skills as professional rescuers for missions within and outside of their resort boundaries. Participants will build and review fundamental skills while also learning new and innovative techniques and tactics relative to working as a professional rescuer on avalanche missions and backcountry search and rescue. Our instructors and facilitators are industry leaders and trainers from organizations around the State, Country and North America. They represent professional outdoor guide and instructor programs, military and law enforcement agencies, urban and wilderness SAR programs, and have represented their own rescue organizations domestically and internationally on a variety of mission types. They all share a common goal of sharing their passion with others, building the next generation of professional rescuers, and helping each person and team succeed on an individual basis, based on their needs, challenges and strengths.

Our goals for this course are to solidify current skills and abilities, while also supporting participants in developing new skills and how they relate to roles and responsibilities in search and rescue on a larger scale.

For K9’s there will be a combination of search drills and scenarios, obedience training, agility courses, and various transportation methods exposure, as well as other engagement and socialization opportunities built it into the program.

For Technicians, the course provides opportunities to develop and refresh hard skills; such as Recco, beacon and other common avalanche rescue equipment usage, as well as professional rescuers skills such as; patient treatment, triage and packaging, low angle, scree or snow rescue techniques and equipment usage, methods and equipment for land navigation, incident command responsibilities, structure and communication skills, as well as involvement with K9 training where applicable or desired.

Audit role (Handler ONLY, No Dog). We have the opportunity to offer a few “audit” roles for future dog handlers, looking to attend this course without a dog. The goal is to learn the process and develop skills to be come a great handler. There are only a few of these slots available, and we are asking that if someone registers for this role that they commit to at least three days, in order to experience the development and growth over the majority of the duration.

Lodging: Limited Group Lodging Rates will be available for the course. Please reach out with questions.

Location:

Snowmass Ski Resort: Aspen / Snowmass, CO

Dates:

K9 Handlers – February 12th (Evening) – February 16th, 2022 – 4 days

Technicians – February 12th (Evening) – February 14th – 2 days

NOTE: February 12th Evening session will be check-in, registration, and initial meetings with instructors to go over expectations and preparation for the week.

Course Cost:

FULL COURSE K9: $500 (does not include lodging)

FULL COURSE Technicians: $250 (does not include lodging)

***Priority will be given to applicants who can commit to the Full Course for their respected discipline.***

In an effort to provide the highest quality training and allow for proper preparation, There will be NO DAY OF/WALK UP REGISTRATION, please make sure that if you plan on attending the course you submit an application for consideration.

Application Deadline is December 20th – Acceptance emails will be sent by December 26th, and all accepted participants will have until January 12th to book group lodging with information provided in their acceptance email. 

TO APPLY: C-RAD Winter Course Application Form