The Fine Line podcast goes Straight to the Heart

Shortness of breath, fatigue, and feeling like you can’t take another step are as common in the mountains as blisters, mosquito bites, and chapped lips. 

But on March 29, 2023, skier Dave Brown felt a sudden onset of extreme fatigue that was entirely new to him, and terribly serious. At 67 years old, the former ski patroller had never had any previous medical issues. But during a backcountry ski tour up Mail Cabin on the west side of Teton Pass, he knew he needed to get help–and get it fast. In this episode of The Fine Line, we’ll hear how Brown and his ski partner made a critical decision that helped save his life. And Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Keegan Pfeil explains how the team responded to the emergency in a deep timbered ravine where simply locating their patient was a challenge.

TCSAR volunteer Keegan Pfeil (left) with Dave Brown. Photo: Matt Hansen/TCSAR Foundation

The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero and sponsored by Stio and Roadhouse Brewing Co.

Listen to The Fine Line wherever you get your podcasts.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas...

On the twelfth day of Christmas, TCSAR gave to me… joy to the world.

Like volunteer Keegan Pfeil on his snowmobile. TCSAR volunteers know why people want to get out in the backcountry, because they do it too! As we head into this holiday season, Keegan offers these words of wisdom to get the most joy out of your adventures:

“One of the biggest challenges with sledding vs skiing is how quickly you travel through terrain. One minute you could be at 7,500 feet on a north aspect and minutes later you are at 10,000 feet. You have to constantly be looking at and analyzing the terrain far ahead of you. Communicate, plan ahead, study the terrain, know the avalanche forecast, and you can have a great day out there.”

From all of us at the TCSAR family, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Video: Gummy Bears...or Potato Chips?

Some decisions are really hard. Especially at the TCSAR hangar, where the team has an assortment of snacks and goodies to keep them Rescue Ready. There is also equipment for every kind of call out. But which one are you gonna use?

As we enter the final stretch of Old Bill’s Giving Season, watch this video to find out, and please consider making a donation to TCSAR Foundation through OldBills.org. We’ll make sure to keep the volunteers’ pockets full with whatever they need to be successful.