In Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, an elite group of dogs and their handlers recently completed a significant training that prepares them for a critical mission — avalanche search and rescue. This specialized training, conducted by the Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD), not only uses the keen instincts of these canines but also strengthens the bond between them and their handlers. As avalanches pose a perennial risk in snowy regions, the skills acquired during this training are critical for emergency responses.
35 dogs underwent avalanche search and rescue training in Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Approximately 35 dogs, along with their handlers, spent the last five days engrossed in C-RAD’s Winter Course at Arapahoe Basin, polishing their abilities in avalanche search and rescue operations, Denver7 reported. Among the trainees was Ripp, a determined Fort Collins Border Collie who had previously gained community support for new winter gear and course funding. From young puppies merely 8 weeks old to more experienced dogs like 2-year-old Ripp, these canines were meticulously trained to excel in detecting and rescuing individuals buried under snow.
C-RAD President Erich Swartz said, “Their ability to sniff out and identify people under the snow is far superior to anything we can do or any technology that we currently have.” The training also included motivational techniques to encourage dogs’ participation and effort. According to Swartz, while food and ball rewards were effective for other tasks, the ultimate incentive was a game of tug of war, something that kept dogs like Ripp eagerly participating.
Furthermore, the training not only prepared the canines for search and rescue but also for accompanying their handlers on the ski patrol. Ripp, serving as the first avalanche rescue dog for Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol, displays the extraordinary abilities these dogs possess. They are capable of swiftly covering vast areas and even locating multiple victims at once.
This season, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center reports that avalanches have trapped six individuals involved in skiing and snowboarding activities — per Denver7. Tragically, two of these incidents have resulted in fatalities, with one of the deaths taking place near Crested Butte just last weekend.
