Activity Description
This course is meant to introduce its participants to the various facets of mountain-based search and rescue (and recovery) activities. While the course is geared toward operations in the White Mountain National Forest and adjacent areas, this information may be taken to and used in other regions throughout the world. To be clear, this course is designed to be a starting point for anyone with an interest in some day volunteering to an organization in their area — or better yet, perhaps relocating to this area and joining the ranks of the men and women who serve it. That said, there’s a lot to learn before applying, but this course can help you illuminate the way forward as a someday search and rescue volunteer or professional.
Activity Offerings
This full day course, lasting 6-8 hours, or so, is ideal for group participation as SAR is a team activity. That said, individuals and small groups can still find some value and may sign up. Some of the topics covered include litter carrying, the scope and meaning of SAR, call-outs and activation, supplies and gear, scene and team safety, patient care, preparation, and packaging, even covering basic medical topics. Also discussed will be past events, team dynamics and hierarchy, social media, and we’ll even ask others in this field to lend their perspectives. Activities also include a mock scenario of some sort.
What to Wear
This course takes place both indoors and out in varied terrain, you will want to be dressed to hike as well as remaining idle in some cases — with respect to the season. The information below will help you with this:
- Think layers. While a ski jacket, for example, may be warm and waterproof, if the insulation can’t be separated from the rain/snow protection layer, it really isn’t suitable. You will overheat if you need rain/snow protection while hiking. Bring independent layers. Having our “Ready Pack” will help.
- Never wear cotton, even at the underwear level. Synthetic materials, wool, and especially performance/wicking materials should be your clothing of choice. For hiking, since cotton won’t dry and doesn’t insulate while wet, it can pose a hazard. You will want to wear the right type of sports or hiking clothing and you will want to bring extra.
- Bring more than you think you need (also consider the person being rescued). Mountain weather can be very tricky and unpredictable. While it may be nice in town, the mountains can be very different. Being prepared can save your life and the life of your patient.
- For footwear, in the warmer months you can wear mid-hight hiking boots to offer some protection. While trail runners, even sneakers, may suffice in some cases, carrying a litter involves stepping off trail and dealing with varied terrain so an actual boot is best. In the colder months you will want winter hiking boots and have traction as a minimum.
Necessary Gear
For your hiking intro course gear needs, we offer three options. Click to expand.
Gear Option 1 - Open
Gear Option 1 - Close
- Personal first aid kit/meds.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Camera/phone (weather-protected).
- Lip balm, sun block.
- Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Proper footwear (see information above).
- Proper clothing layering (see information above).
- Seasonal specialty clothing (see information above).
SPECIAL NOTE: You may get a “Ready Pack, Lean” without food and water for $40/person.
SPECIAL NOTE: You can also order just food and water for $15/person. (Available with any option.)
Gear Option 2 - Open
Gear Option 2 - Close
- A lined pack with hip belt and room for the items below (~40-60 liters).
- Hardshell jacket and pants (mountain weather can be quite wet).
- Mountain-rated insulated layer (mountains are much colder than in town).
- Seasonally-rated mid-layer.
- Food for the day, plus extra.
- Water for the day, at least 2 liters, plus extra.
- Seasonally-rated hat, gloves/mittens.
- Headlamp with spare batteries (or backup device).
- Whistle or sound-making device (sternum strap whistles are okay).
- Tarp, bivvy, or personal shelter.
- A lightweight emergency sleeping pad.
Plus any of these specialty items also available from the master rental list, below…
- Trekking Poles (though NOT recommended for SAR).
- Light Traction/crampons (As Needed).
- Snowshoes (As Needed).
- General Rental Gear Pricing
-
- Empty Backpack: $15/person/day.
- Headlamp w/ Batteries: $5/person/day.
- Trekking Pole Set: $5/person/day.
- Bushwhack Kit (Compass/Glasses): $5/person/day.
- Food and Water (Lunch Kit): $15/person/day.
- Summer Clothing/Layers Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Fleece (Midlayer): $5/person/day.
- Puffy Jacket (Midweight): $20/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day.
- Light Gloves: $5/person/day.
- Climbing Gloves: $10/person/day.
- Winter Clothing/Layers Pricing – Add to List Above
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Puffy/Parka (Heavyweight/Winter): $25/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day (Gaiters Req. w/ Crampon Use).
- Mitts/Overmitts: $10/person/day.
- Watchman’s Hat: $5/person/day.
- Balaclava: $5/person/day.
- Face Protection (Faceglove/Mask): $5/person/day.
- Ski Goggles: $5/person/day.
- Gaiters (Winter): $10/person/day.
- Winter Rental Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Light Traction: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Snowshoes: $15/person/day.
- Mountaineering Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Ice/Snow Axe: $10/person/day.
- Whippet: $10/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Winter Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Ice Climbing Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Technical Ice Tools: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Boots: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Beacon: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Probe: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Shovel: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Kit: $40/person/day.
- Summer Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Rock Climbing Shoes: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Chalk Bag w/ Chalk): $5/person/day.
- Personal Flotation Device: $10/person/day.
- Backpacking Gear Pricing
-
- Sleeping Bag (Rated): $20/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Foam): $5/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Inflatabe): $15/person/night.
- Tent (1-2 People): $20/person/night.
- Tent (3-4 People): $30/person/night.
- Stove w/ Fuel: $15/person/night.
- Other Gear-Related Pricing
-
- Gear Insurance (Regular/Hiking): $10/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Alpine/Winter): $20/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Backpacking): $30/person/day.
- Outsourced Gear (Pick Up Fee): $40/person/day.
Gear Option 3 - Open
Gear Option 3 - Close
Okay… Let’s Do This!
What follows below is the pricing and other information you’ll probably want or need to know.
| Full Day S.A.R. Intro Pricing | |
|---|---|
| For one person | $275 |
| For two people | $200 each |
| For three people | $175 each |
| For four or more | $150 each | S.A.R. Intro Premiums |
| N/A | N/A |
Other Information
- The difficulty of this activity is mostly moderate but can be extreme.
- The minimum group size is one, but ideal groups start at 6
- This activity has a 1:12 instructor/student ratio.
- The maximum group size is 24 with 2 guides.
- For parties larger than 24, please contact us.
- Gratuities not included; 15-25% is customary for a good job.
Ready for continued education? Other preparatory topics of interest include River Skills, Digital and Wilderness Navigation, Wilderness First Aid, even Mountaineering Skills. Ready to begin, go ahead and BOOK IT NOW!
Are YOU Ready to Volunteer?
After taking this course and obtaining a medical certification such as earning your Wilderness First Aid card and delving into some of the other recommended topics (see links above). You may want to actually apply to one of the following organizations. Do bear in mind, each group will have its own requirements and may include a mandate that you’re within a certain area. Reach out to your team for specifics before applying.
- Androscoggin Valley Search And Rescue (AVSAR)
- This group responds to basic three season carry-outs and searches but advanced members are tasked with alpine (above treeline) activities in the winter to include some technical operations. AVSAR works mostly in the eastern side of the WMNF to include the Presidentials and points north but has been tasked in other areas as needed by the NHF&G.
- Lakes Region Search And Rescue (LRSAR)
- This group responds to basic three season carry-outs and searches but advanced members are tasked with alpine (above treeline) activities in the winter to include some technical operations. LRSAR works mostly in the Lakes Region (Ossipees, Belknaps) and the southern end of the WMNF to include the Chocorua and Sandwich Range, but are routinely tasked in other areas as needed by the NHF&G.
- Mountain Rescue Service (MRS)
- This group responds to more advanced carry-outs and searches and specialize in alpine (above treeline) activities in the winter as well as technical operations involving advanced rock and ice rescues. MRS is located in North Conway (Eastern side) but are routinely tasked in other areas to include Cannon Cliff and other crags as needed by the NHF&G.
- Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team (PVSART)
- This group responds to basic three season carry-outs and searches but advanced members are tasked with alpine (above treeline) activities in the winter to include some technical operations. PVSART works mostly in the western side of the WMNF to include the Franconia Ridge but are routinely tasked in other areas as needed by the NHF&G.
- New Hampshire Outdoor Council (NHOC)
- There are many other organizations that are tasked with serving SAR needs in the WMNF. As the list above is not an exhaustive one, you may find the NHOC can point you in the a different direction more to your liking, skills, specialty, or region. They have links to State and Federal agencies to include the NH Fish and Game (the Fish and Game are NH’s SAR command level).