Classic Rock: the Exciting Season Finale The Fine Line

In the next episode of The Fine Line podcast, we close out Season 7 with a wild story from August 22, 2022. The conversation goes deep into how a highly experienced mountain biker got a little too close to that big rock on Ferrin’s—yes, that rock—and how her companion and Teton County Search & Rescue volunteers helped her get home during a torrential rainstorm.

Listen today at 2 p.m. on KHOL 89.1 FM, and afterward wherever you get your podcasts.

As this is the final episode of Season 7, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has come on this podcast to share their stories of resilience and survival, and to our generous sponsors Roadhouse Brewing Co., and Stio.

Special thanks to the musical artists Anne & Pete Sibley and Ben Winship for providing such beautiful sounds to accompany these stories, and to Melinda Binks for her masterful editing and partnership in producing this podcast with Matt Hansen. Caryn Flanagan is our smooth voice for sponsor readings.

And of course, to all the TCSAR volunteers who give so much of themselves to our community to bring people home after an accident in the backcountry. We are all indebted to your service.

TCSAR Foundation completes Mission Critical, Invites Public to Celebration on May 24

Jackson, Wyo. — Two months after the launch of its public campaign, Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation is excited to announce that it has completed Mission Critical, successfully raising the necessary funds to bring a year-round rescue helicopter to Teton County, Wyo.

“With over 1,200 donations to the campaign, our community has stepped up to show the importance of bringing this critical asset to Teton County,” said TCSAR Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Thomas. “We are humbled and in awe by the efforts of everyone who made this happen.”

TCSAR Foundation opened its public campaign on March 18 knowing they needed to raise over $1.25 million—out of a total goal of $7.25 million—to finish out Mission Critical. The community stepped up to the challenge and accomplished the goal, ensuring the arrival of a year-round rescue helicopter to Teton County by this fall. 

To celebrate the end of Mission Critical and as a gesture of their sincere gratitude, TCSAR Foundation and TCSAR volunteers invite the entire community to a special helicopter demo at Phil Baux Park at the base of Snow King from 4:30-7 p.m. on May 24. At 5:15 p.m. sharp, TCSAR volunteers will conduct a short-haul operation, a method of rescue in which first responders use the helicopter to lift a patient harnessed to the end of a rope attached to the belly of the ship for a flight out of the backcountry. The Snow King demo will give viewers a rare chance to see the operation in action in the front-country. 

The event includes pizza from Pinky G’s, popcorn from JH Pop, tacos from La Fiera, beer from Roadhouse Brewing, beverages from local suppliers, and ice cream from St. John’s Episcopal Church. Food and beverages will be FREE while supplies last. This is an all-ages event and everyone is invited.

Teton County Search & Rescue Responds to Avalanche in Backcountry of Snow King Mountain

Jackson, Wyo. — At 12:47 p.m. on Friday, February 24, Teton County Search & Rescue received an alert about an avalanche involving two skiers on an out-of-bounds run on Snow King Mountain. The skiers had exited a gate at the top of the mountain and were descending an area known as Scotty's Ridge when they triggered the avalanche. Both skiers were local residents on their lunch break and carrying avalanche safety equipment. They both were caught in the slide and lost their skis in the incident, with one skier partially buried and sustaining injuries. 

TCSAR responded with a short-haul team in the helicopter, along with other volunteers responding up the Snow King gondola to descend on skis to the two skiers. After assessing the situation, TCSAR short-hauled both skiers to a landing zone and a waiting ambulance at the START Bus Barn. In a short-haul operation, rescuers use the helicopter to lift a patient harnessed to the end of a rope for a short flight out of the backcountry. It is often used in steep, technical terrain where landing a helicopter is not an option or when injuries are life-threatening.

TCSAR appreciates the help and coordination on this rescue from Snow King Mountain and Ski Patrol. This accident serves as a good reminder that Snow King’s out of bounds is not avalanche controlled, and that the terrain should be taken seriously despite its close proximity to town.

The Snow King avalanche was the second call of the day for TCSAR. Just minutes earlier, at 12:35 p.m., the team was called regarding a skier with a dislocated shoulder above Ski Lake on Teton Pass. The team began assembling a response with snowmobiles and the helicopter. As the volunteers were gearing up to head out into the field, the party called to say that they would be able to self-rescue and get out on their own. The team stood down on that call while volunteers mobilized for the Snow King rescue.