See It Here: Photo Gallery & Video Presentations from WYSAW

We know how busy schedules can be. We also appreciate the enormous pull of being outside during one of the last beautiful weekends in October. So it’s understandable if you missed the Wyoming Snow & Avalanche Workshop, which drew an attendance of more than 350 people to the Center for the Arts on October 18-19.

And that’s why we record each and every presentation during the event.

We're happy to announce that the videos are now up online.  Each video is edited into individual presentations, and can be found on our WYSAW page, YouTube, and Vimeo.

With fresh snow on the ground, catching up on WYSAW is an appropriate kickoff to a safe and fun winter in the Tetons. 

We are also including a killer photo gallery from the event. All photos below by Zach Montes from Orijin Media. Images may not be used or reproduced without permission.

Join us August 15 for "Lessons at 13,000 Feet: Stories from the High Alpine"

Jackson, Wyo. — On August 15, Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation, Teton Climber’s Coalition and Jenny Lake Rangers are proud to present an evening where stories of close calls, misadventures, and first-responder perspectives are being given a stage for listening and reflection. 

This free event features live storytelling at the Black Diamond store in downtown Jackson.

As we enter the prime season for high altitude adventures, ‘Lessons at 13,000 Feet: Stories from the High Alpine’ will share insights to how people survive, and respond to, backcountry accidents above the treeline.

Storytellers include local climbers Lars Schou and Hadden Goodman, along with Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers Zack Little and Ken Kries, and TCSAR volunteer Jen Reddy. Each speaker will go into detail about how an experience in the mountains influenced their relationship to risk and adventure. 

While Little and Kries will discuss their points of view from a first-responder perspective, Reddy, Schou and Goodman will discuss incidents involving serious injuries: what happened, how they each responded to the trauma, and how it may have changed their relationship to risk and mountain adventures. 

Incidents like this are not uncommon in the Tetons, but getting to understand the decisions that contributed to them, and the reflections they’ve catalyzed, is an experience few get to have.

Doors open at 6 p.m., stories begin at 6:30 p.m. Roadhouse Beer and Yeah Buddy pizza provided. Register HERE to let us know you’re coming and be entered into a raffle!

TCSAR Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation, the nonprofit whose mission is to empower TCSAR volunteers through direct support, community education and advocacy, welcomed two new board members on July 1.

The Foundation also bids a fond farewell to Leslie Mattson, who served on the board for three consecutive three-year terms.

“Leslie brought immense nonprofit experience and knowledge to the Foundation at a time when the organization saw rapid growth, both in terms of fundraising and ever-increasing rescue demands on the volunteer team,” said TCSAR Foundation Board President Hugh O’Halloran. “The entire TCSAR family extends our sincere gratitude to Leslie for her nine years of service.”

Joining TCSAR Foundation's 15-member Board of Directors are Kevin Olson and Maggie Schilling.

Kevin Olson is the majority owner, CEO and president of Jackson, Wyo.-based Teton Media Works Inc. (TMW). TMW’s media assets consist of local newspapers (Jackson Hole News&Guide, Jackson Hole Daily), magazines (Jackson Hole, Teton Family, Grand Wedding, Best of Jackson Hole), affiliated websites and digital news stream, Buckrail.com.

Kevin, his wife, Shelley, and family moved from Orange County, Calif., in 2001 to become the Associate Publisher of the Jackson Hole News. Prior to this, he held a variety of leadership positions at the Orange County Register newspaper in Santa Ana, Calif., including national advertising sales, regional sales management, marketing, product development and special publishing projects.

In 2012, Kevin founded TMW to acquire the portfolio of local publications and advertising services benefiting local residents, businesses and visitors in the greater Jackson Hole area. Kevin graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunications at Arizona State University. ASU was not far from his hometown of Scottsdale, Az.

A motivating factor in Kevin’s move to Jackson Hole was his long-time leaning toward skiing, mountains, lakes, cycling, golf, and a quality of life allowing time for family activities and community service. Kevin is an active Rotarian with two stints on its board and now president of its Foundation, past board chairman for Jackson Hole Young Life, past chairman of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and recent past President of the Wyoming Press Association’s board of directors.

Maggie Schilling brings a diversity of skills to the TCSAR Foundation board, having worked in the nonprofit, local government, and private sectors during her 25 years in the valley. Her current work with Navigate, LLC centers on working with local communities and employers to help address housing challenges.

Previous roles at the Teton County Library Foundation, Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, and Teton Science Schools focused on fundraising and nonprofit operations and management. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family in all seasons, whether it is hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, or skiing. After her husband was short-hauled by TCSAR off of Snow King following a mountain bike accident, she began volunteering for the TCSAR Foundation and is thrilled to now join the board.