Sean Naylor/Vail Daily
Thursday was a snowy day on Meadow Mountain. As my wife, Jess, and I pulled into the parking lot to take our first avalanche rescue course, we experienced a mix of emotions.
We were glad it was snowing, for multiple reasons, but mostly because we wanted an authentic mountain rescue experience where howling winds and reduced visibility added to the challenge.
At the same time, there was nervousness and uncertainty in the air. We didn’t know who would be joining us that day, we worried we might be the ones who slow down the group, and we also individually carried our sense of “couple competition” where our main motivation is to be less embarrassed than our partner.
On Dec. 3, the Vail Daily published an avalanche safety-related article (“Avalanche Survivors share stories as cautionary tales…” page A5). This story related the experience of an avalanche accident victim near Loveland pass in 2004 as well as some precautionary words from Summit County SAR members. The article also provided a short list of Avalanche Safety Resources in Colorado.
Thanks to the Daily for continuing to provide content on backcountry safety and avalanche awareness; it is always timely in our region. While all of the guide services listed do indeed lead courses on Vail Pass and other nearby backcountry venues in Summit County, none of the services listed are Eagle County businesses. Please don’t forget that we have a several terrific guide services and avalanche safety instruction schools right here in our own backyard.