Project of Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation urges backcountry users to be cautious, patient and respectful this winter

With the Jackson Hole backcountry continuing to see increased use this winter, Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation is amplifying its efforts to stress the importance of safe and responsible backcountry use. As the ongoing pandemic has created shifts in behaviors and added new stresses to everyone’s daily outlook, the Foundation is urging all backcountry users to be extra cautious, patient and respectful.

Highlighting these efforts is a short film from Backcountry Zero, a project of the TCSAR Foundation to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in the Jackson Hole backcountry. Called “Check Yourself, Check Your Friends,” the film is sponsored by the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board and emphasizes the importance of doing safety checks. As history has taught us, taking shortcuts in the backcountry—even those that seem small and insignificant—can have deadly consequences. The film complements the numerous outreach and educational efforts that have become a staple of Backcountry Zero.

“Check Yourself, Check Your Friends” is a call to action highlighting four critical steps every time you head into the backcountry:

Check the daily avalanche forecast at JHAvalanche.org.
Pack the essentials, and know how to use them.
Do a proper beacon check.
Be patient and show respect toward others and the environment.

“There is a critical need for locals and visitors to elevate their backcountry safety this winter due to the unprecedented challenges caused by Covid-19,” said TCSAR Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Thomas. “With our hospital and first-responders already stressed from the virus, we need to make sure that backcountry users don’t add unnecessary weight to the system.”

With Jackson Hole Mountain Resort limiting daily skier capacity due to Covid-19 and retailers selling out of backcountry equipment, the wilds of Jackson Hole will be an attractive option for many people. But it’s critical that such enthusiasts don’t let the pandemic cloud their judgment in an unforgiving, uncontrolled environment.

“Check Yourself, Check Your Friends” was shot and produced by KGB Productions and Backcountry Zero, and features Jackson skiers Morgan McGlashon, Daniel Tisi and Riis Wilbrecht.

For more information, to learn about furthering your backcountry education, or to find an outfitter, please visit BackcountryZero.com.