Snowmobile Resources Task

From PCSAR

Following on the Pitcher search there was a broad discussion on the need for snowmobilers. We need to be able to deploy 6 expert-level mountain sledders. Assuming 50% availability, we should have a roster of 12. Intermediate sledders need to be able to look after themselves in self-sufficient teams. Generally it is counter productive to combine expert and intermediate sledders in the same team. It would take two years of weekly aggressive off-trail mountain snowmobiling to develop an expert-level mountain sledder.

Old skills are still good. Former sledders (e.g. Roy) can be expected to perform at their former skill level if a snowmobile is provided.

[edit] There are non-SAR member expert sledders in the area

• Jack Daignault
• James Kenny
• Roy Reed
• Jim Baird (ski hill)
• Brock Smith (CNP)
• Doug and Brenda Beer (Lethbridge).

It is difficult to keep them involved in SAR. Perhaps a special role should be developed for them:

• SAR involvement limited to snowmobile incidents
• no SAR Fundamentals
• avalanche course
• course in 24-hour self sufficiency

[edit] Ideas for recruiting members and resources

• work with the CNP snowmobile club
• advertise
• poster at ski hill, lethbridge
• fax to dealers

There needs to be a way to rate the skills of new members/resources.

Eric agreed to take the lead in developing specific recommendations in this area.