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.

There are non-SAR member expert sledders in the area:

• Jack Daignault* James Kenny* Roy Reed* Jim Baird (ski hill)* Ken Hildebrandt (CNP Rescue)* 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==Ideas for recruiting members and resources:==
• work with the CNP snowmobile club* advertise* poster at ski hill, lethbridge* fax to dealersThere 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.