The Snowbasin Ski Patrol with four of the Utah ski resort’s professional avalanche rescue dogs. Photo: Snowbasin Resort
It’s hard to resist an avalanche rescue dog. While some of us adore all dogs, avy dogs are special. It’s not that they are necessarily cuter or smarter than the average family pet. But they are impressively trained and their lifesaving skills increase their appeal.
Here’s just one impressive statistic: One avalanche dog can cover the size of two football fields in 30 minutes. In comparison, to cover this amount of terrain in the same 30 minutes would require 150 trained two-legged searchers.
Avalanche dogs are truly lifesavers.
On March 28, 2018, Snowbasin Resort and the Snowbasin Ski Patrol hosted a fundraiser for Wasatch Backcounty Rescue (WBR) in Ogden, Utah. As part of this event, which raised over $10,000, the Snowbasin Avalanche dogs were on hand for a meet and greet.
And while plenty of people enthusiastically support the mission of WBR and are happy to help support this organization, without a doubt, getting to meet the dogs was a major draw.
Say hello to Snowbasin avalanche dog Stash! Photo: Snowbasin Resort
Snowbasin Resort is home to avalanche dogs Flint, Stash, Jiggs, Molly and the newest puppy in training, Slayer, all of whom have been, or are being trained, by Wasatch Backcountry Rescue. These furry rescuers and their handlers go through two years of intense training then continue with annual classes.
Snowbasin’s newest avalanche dog, darling puppy Slayer. Photo: Snowbasin Resort
The funds raised for WBR by Snowbasin and the Ski Patrol, pay for avalanche training and allow dogs and trainers to attend domestic and international dog training schools, backcountry rescue schools and snow science workshops. These schools help develop the experience needed for rescue as well as bring new ideas into the organization. In order to stay on the cutting edge of professional backcountry rescue, research, and training, it is important that both dogs and their human trainers received the best education and training available.
Jiggs is one of Snowbasin Resort’s well-trained avalanche dogs. Photo: Snowbasin Resort
Wasatch Backcountry Rescue is a nonprofit organization that works in the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City under the direction of five County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue divisions. Their primary purpose is rapid response avalanche rescue, winter-related mountain rescue and medical evacuation incidents using trained professionals and search and rescue dogs.
A moment in the life of Molly, the avalanche rescue dog at Snowbasin, Utah. Photo: Snowbasin Resort
Snowbasin Resort thanks everyone who donated products for the silent auction, their funds and their time to raise over $10,000. Another event is planned for next season.
Flint was a puppy last season. Now he’s a one year veteran avalanche dog at Snowbasin Resort. Photo: Snowbasin Resort
Thanks to Megan Collins of Snowbasin Resort for her help on this post.
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