Jackson, WY – Residents and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to a free evening of education and conversation about mountain rescue operations. The “Mountain Rescue: Past, Present, and Future” forum will take place Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Black Diamond Equipment, 160 W. Pearl Ave.
Local experts share their experience
Representatives from the Teton Climbers’ Coalition, Teton Backcountry Alliance and Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) will lead the discussion. The panel includes former Jenny Lake climbing ranger and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patroller Jim Springer, Dave Wade – founder and director of the Slava Topol Project that supports rescues on Kyrgyzstan’s 7,000‑meter Lenin Peak – and Dr. Will Smith of TCSAR and the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR).
From historic roots to modern technology
Springer will trace the evolution of rescue efforts in the Tetons, highlighting how Grand Teton National Park rangers helped establish formal search‑and‑rescue practices in the United States. Wade will describe his work building a rescue system for Lenin Peak, a mountain that draws roughly 1,500 climbers each year but previously lacked a dedicated SAR agency.
“Things have changed from when mountaineers assumed responsibility to self‑rescue, to today when there is an expectation that help is just a phone call and helicopter ride away,” Wade said in a statement. “As mountain rescue moves boldly into the future with the use of drones and other modern technology, local rescuers continue to pioneer new techniques making the formerly impossible a new reality.”
Drone technology and the future of safety
Dr. Smith will moderate a panel on emerging tools, especially unmanned aerial systems that can quickly locate injured climbers in rugged terrain. He will also address how these technologies can be integrated safely with traditional helicopter and ground‑team responses.
Community participation
The event is open to the public and will include pizza and beverages. Organizers hope the forum will educate families, hikers, and local businesses about the importance of preparedness and the role of community volunteers in keeping the Tetons safe.
For more information, contact the Teton County Search and Rescue office or visit the event page on the Black Diamond Equipment website.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
