The Fine Line

In this gripping season finale of Season 9 from The Fine Line, we hear from Jason Dunlop, a Jackson Hole local who’s been going on solo snowmobile missions deep into the Wyoming backcountry for more than 15 years. In March 2025, his string of successful adventures came to a crashing halt, leading to a complicated rescue that revealed many difficult lessons. The episode covers several topics, such as: emergency satellite texting via an iPhone; how and when to call for help; the dangers of complacency; and how SAR missions are never easy, even when they might appear to be on paper. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. This episode is sponsored by Arc’teryx.

If a hunter falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, do they make a sound? Of course they do. They call for help and people come running. On this episode of The Fine Line, we look at at how a hunter happened to trip and fall in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the thickest of timber you can imagine, just as the sun was going down. The response led to an all-night mission from Teton County Search & Rescue. This story features TCSAR Chief Advisor Cody Lockhart, hunters Charlie Short and Jeremy Dietz, and some deep Wyoming wisdom about a rough and tumble rescue in a wild location. Thanks to Roadhousebrewery.com for sponsoring this episode. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. The Fine Line is produced by the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation as part of its Backcountry Zero initiative, which uses education, outreach, and storytelling to help prevent accidents in the backcountry. Learn more at www.BackcountryZero.com.

Resilience is like a whitebark pine tree: When life tries to beat you down, you stand up strong in the face of adversity. So what does that mean for those of us who like to go into the mountains? In this episode of The Fine Line, we step aside from our stories of rescues to have a conversation about resilience and the importance of mental health as a backcountry safety issue. Our guests for this show are: Josie McKee is a professional climber, mental health coach for climbers, a volunteer with Lander Search & Rescue, and the director of communications and operations for the Responder Alliance. Hunter Lee is a mental health coach and founder of Flourish JH. They sit down with host Matt Hansen to explain why resilience matters to mountain athletes and how backcountry users can be aware of how stress may impact their decision-making. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This interview was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. This episode is sponsored by https://arcteryx.com. For more on resilience and stress injuries, go to www.ResponderAlliance.com. To find Hunter Lee, go to www.FlourishJH.com.

The most famous North Face in the United States... a terrible accident... a daring helicopter rescue... and some important lessons learned about risk and what it means to move on from chasing your dream. In this next episode of The Fine Line, climber Jim Dahle explains how a fall on the North Face of the Grand Teton left him unconscious, with severe head, neck, and facial trauma. His partner, Christian Feinhauer, was left to treat his longtime friend and call for help from the Jenny Lake Rangers. Ken Kreis, a year-round Jenny Lake Ranger, discusses how the rescue unfolded into a helicopter mission, where the blades of the ship were just feet from the cliff face. The pilot that day was Jon Bourke, from Teton County Search & Rescue, underscoring the critical partnership between TCSAR and the Jenny Lake Rangers. As Dahle says, “Not all heroes were capes. Some of them wear harnesses.” You can learn more about the Jenny Lake Rangers and how you can support them at www.gtnpf.org/jenny-lake-rangers. Story and interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. This episode is sponsored by RoadhouseBrewery.com.

When climber Dave Black got a new lease on life after receiving a revolutionary treatment for Parkinson’s, he wanted to once again stand on the summit of the Grand Teton. A lifelong climber with 15-20 ascents on the Grand, he invited two younger climbers to join him for a push up the Exum Ridge on July 16, 2024. The events that occurred that day revealed several complex layers of high consequence adventure: decision-making, preparedness, person-to-person conflict, and the effect of a disease like Parkinson’s. In this episode, Dave is joined by Lexie Hunsaker, a seasonal Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger at Grand Teton National Park, who was inserted via helicopter short-haul—at about 12,800 feet up—to assist in the response. You can learn more about the Jenny Lake Rangers and how you can support them at www.gtnpf.org/jenny-lake-rangers. This interview is by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound are by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. Huge thanks Arcteryx.com for sponsoring this episode.

Season 9 of The Fine Line begins. In this premiere episode, we go deep into a backcountry skiing accident that occurred on May 18, 2024. Mark Fellermann and Tanner Flanagan recount how a picture-perfect spring day turned into a near-death experience after an accident in the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort backcountry. Meanwhile, Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Brook Yeomans explains how this rescue went to the heart of why he wanted to become a volunteer in the first place. This episode covers the importance of being familiar with your gear, the special bond between ski partners, and how mental health can play a significant role in backcountry accidents. “Ride the Tram, Ski the ‘Shoe” is the first of six episodes in Season 9. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. Editing and sound are by Melinda Binks. Hosted and produced by Matt Hansen from the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. The original cover art is by Jen Reddy. This episode of The Fine Line is sponsored by Roadhousebrewery.com. Learn more about The Fine Line and additional risk mitigation programming at BackcountryZero.com.

A new season of The Fine Line drops on May 29. Join Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation and Backcountry Zero as we bring you honest conversations about how accidents happen in the backcountry, and how first responders solve complex problems to get people home safely. In the first of six episodes, Season 9 begins with a story about a backcountry ski accident outside the boundary of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Then, we dive into two separate climbing accidents on the Grand Teton, an all-night rescue of an injured hunter deep in grizzly country, a candid conversation about how mental health is a backcountry safety issue, and a ‘slam dunk’ snowmobile rescue that turned into an epic all-nighter for Teton County Search & Rescue. The Fine Line features music from former longtime Jackson residents Anne and Pete Sibley, Victor, Idaho-based musician Ben Winship, and original cover art by Jen Reddy. The show’s editing and sound are by Melinda Binks. Matt Hansen is the host and producer. Season 9 of The Fine Line is sponsored by Roadhouse Brewing Co. and by Arc’teryx. The show can be heard every Thursday at 2 p.m. on KHOL 89.1 FM in Jackson, Wyo., and downloaded for free wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at BackcountryZero.com.

Season 8 of The Fine Line concludes with a wild story that demonstrates how there will always be people who go right up to the edge in the Tetons, and venture beyond it despite the risks. The story includes the keen perspectives of Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Anthony Stevens and TCSAR Chief Pilot Steve Wilson, and how they rescued local snowboarder Sasha Motivala after a traumatic accident on No Name Peak back in April. Please tune in for this thought-provoking conversation about risk tolerance, decision-making, and the lifesaving skillsets of Teton County Search & Rescue. Produced by Backcountry Zero, Season 8 of The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with support from Roadhouse Brewing Co., Arc'teryx and KHOL. Editing for The Fine Line is by Melinda Binks, with original artwork by Jen Reddy. The theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music produced by Ben Winship. Interview and storytelling by Matt Hansen. Thank you so much for listening to The Fine Line. If you like what you hear, please leave us a review and share it with a friend.

Mount Glory is well known among backcountry skiers and snowboarders. But as a summer hiking trail? Not quite the same draw. And yet, for Lou and Kathy Fatkin, it made for the ideal location when they set out for a hike up the steep, dusty trail on July 16, 2023. Their story about the consequences of that day, despite the hardship, lends inspiration for experiencing some of our country's most treasured landscapes. TCSAR volunteer Anna DiSanto joins in the conversation about the team’s response: a good old-fashioned boots on the ground gruntfest during one of the hottest days of the year. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. This episode of The Fine Line is presented by www.stio.com, with additional support from https://roadhousebrewery.com and https://891khol.org.

There are a million and one ways for people to get into trouble in the backcountry. And it is unfair to assume that everyone is being reckless. Sometimes, they just get their foot stuck. In this episode of The Fine Line, Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Doug Van Houten takes us back to an incident from 2018 when the SAR team had to pull out all the stops in order to help a Nordic skier get out of a jam, literally. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music written and produced by Ben Winship. The original cover art is by Jen Reddy. This episode of The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with additional support from Arc’teryx and KHOL.

Season 8 of The Fine Line rolls onward with a story about a mountain bike crash with potentially serious consequences on a trail near Teton Pass, Wyoming. The episode dives into the effectiveness of the BackcountrySOS app, and how Teton County Search & Rescue volunteers responded with delicate treatment of potentially life-altering injuries. Thanks to Rick Gordon and Dr. Tobin Dennis for sharing their experiences so the rest of us can learn—right as mountain bike season ramps up across the Mountain West. To hear another episode about misadventures on this same log bridge, check out "Night Rescue in Phillips Canyon" from Season 5. Season 8 of The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with support from Arc’teryx and KHOL. The original cover art is by Jen Reddy. The Fine Line’s theme song is by Anne & Pete Sibley, with additional music produced by Ben Winship. The Fine Line is produced and hosted by Matt Hansen, with editing and sound by Melinda Binks. Learn more about The Fine Line at BackcountryZero.com.

Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Carol Viau, one of the longest tenured members on the team, shares this memorable story from her very first rescue. It was October 26, 2000, a time before cell phones were ubiquitous, and when most callouts for TCSAR required good old-fashioned boots on the ground. "A Whistle in the Dark" reveals how and why someone is drawn to be a first responder, how intuition and basic skills can be invaluable during a cold, dark search, and how gentle conversations with a person in need can help us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. Produced by Backcountry Zero, The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with additional support from Roadhouse Brewing Co. and KHOL 89.1 FM in Jackson. This episode was produced by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink.

Two bikepackers embark on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, a 2,700-mile journey that traverses the Rockies from the Mexico border all the way to Canada. During their trip, a seemingly little decision comes back to haunt them in a big way, right as their route enters one of the most remote parts of Teton County, Wyoming. This episode not only reveals the challenges of preparing for such an undertaking, but takes on the headwinds of long-distance cycling and how, during our times of greatest need, we can rely on the kindness of complete strangers. For more information on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, Bikepacking.com is the authoritative voice on the subject. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were conducted in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. Thank you to Maggie Slepian and Matt Maar for sharing their story, and to Mike Baum and TCSAR volunteer Ed Fries for lending their perspective to this slow burn of an epic journey. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. This episode of The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with additional support from Arc'teryx and KHOL.

Season 8 of The Fine Line begins with a story from one of the most recognizable features of the southern Teton range, and a ski line that makes even the bravest skiers buckle their boots a little bit tighter: Cody Peak’s Central Couloir. On Saturday March 18, 2023, skiers Will Brown and Jacqueline Dickey dropped into Central after hiking out to the top of Cody from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram. What happened next forever changed their relationship to skiing and big, complex mountains. We also hear from Jackson Hole Ski Patroller Jeff Burke, who helps explain how different responding agencies come together to perform rescues in the JHMR backcountry—and how a pair of skis took the long road to get back to Jacqueline. If you are looking for mental health support, please visit Mental Health & Recovery Services of Jackson Hole, or dial the national crisis and suicide prevention hotline at 988. As we hear in this episode, mental health is a backcountry safety issue. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy. The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with additional support by Roadhouse Brewing Company and KHOL.

There aren’t many mountain bike trails in Jackson Hole as classic as the one called Ferrin’s. Built in 2005, the trail is one of the most popular in Jackson due to its challenging terrain, proximity to town, and linkage to other trails. But like any classic trail, it has inherent dangers that can take down even the best riders. In this episode of The Fine Line, we close out Season 7 with a wild story from August 22, 2022. The conversation goes deep into how a highly experienced mountain biker took a vicious crash on Ferrin's, and how her companion and Teton County Search & Rescue volunteers helped her get home during a torrential rainstorm. As we conclude this season, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has come on this podcast to share their stories of resilience and survival, and to our generous sponsors Roadhouse Brewing Co. and Stio. Special thanks to the musical artists Anne and Pete Sibley and Ben Winship for providing such beautiful sounds to accompany these stories, and to Melinda Binks for her masterful editing and partnership in producing this podcast with host and writer Matt Hansen. Caryn Flanagan is our smooth voice for sponsor readings. All interviews were recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM in downtown Jackson. And of course, a huge shout out to all the TCSAR volunteers who give so much of themselves to our community to bring people home after an accident in the backcountry. We are all indebted to your service. We'll be back in your feed with more stories of adventure, risk and rescue for Season 8 in 2024. Learn more at BackcountryZero.com.

On March 29, 2023, skier Dave Brown felt a sudden onset of extreme fatigue that was entirely new to him, and terribly serious. At 67 years old, the former ski patroller had never had any previous medical issues. But during a backcountry ski tour near Teton Pass, he knew he needed to get help—and get it fast. In this episode of The Fine Line, we’ll hear how Brown and his ski partner made a critical decision that helped save his life. Joining the conversation is Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Keegan Pfeil, who explains how the team responded to this life-threatening emergency in a deep timbered ravine where simply locating Brown was a challenge. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were conducted in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. Our theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero and sponsored by Stio and Roadhouse Brewing Co.

How far back is far enough from the edge of a cornice? 10 feet, 20 feet, 30? On March 5, 2023, Jordan Bluse found out the hard way. He was riding his snowmobile with a group of friends in the Salt River Mountain Range outside of Afton, Wyoming, when a large cornice sheared off below him. He and his snowmobile fell through the cornice and tumbled down 1,200 vertical feet over multiple cliff bands. In this episode—our 50th—we’ll hear about Jordan's miraculous survival, while Teton County Search and Rescue’s Ian Johnston explains how a SAR assist plays out in this very remote corner of Wyoming. Thanks to the Star Valley Search & Rescue for the invaluable partnership in helping to bring this rescue to a positive outcome. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. Interviews were conducted in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM in downtown Jackson, Wyoming. Theme song by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero and sponsored by Stio and Roadhouse Brewing Co.

On July 13, 2022, three friends went out for a mountain bike ride on a trail they'd done too many times to count: the classic Ferrins-West Game-Cache Creek loop just outside of Jackson, Wyo. But the ride gets cut short when one of the riders has a violent crash, leaving him with severe injuries and a complicated rescue. In this episode of The Fine Line, the incident demonstrates how even the most experienced riders sometimes have accidents, even in their own backyard, and the hoops that TCSAR and other agencies must jump through to get someone out of the backcountry safely. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were conducted in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero, and sponsored by Stio and by Roadhouse Brewing Co.

When skier Benton Hodges heard trees snapping and saw a huge powder cloud below him from an avalanche on Albright Peak in Grand Teton National Park, he thought he’d be in a life-or-death struggle to recover his buried friend. Instead, friend Charlie Pirc was saved when he struck a tree, preventing him from being buried in the 2,000-foot-long avalanche but leaving him with severe injuries high on the mountainside. In this episode, Benton, Charlie, and friends Evan Flach and Seth Frey talk about why they came forward to openly discuss this harrowing incident, while Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Dr. AJ Wheeler offers insights to how rescuers were able to bring Charlie safely out of the backcountry. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. Interviews were conducted in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. Theme song by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero and is sponsored by Roadhouse Brewing Co. and by Stio.

On June 25, 2022, Terri Evenson and Brit West drove a truck and horse trailer way out into a little known corner of the Tetons. The Coyote Meadows trailhead is in Teton County, Wyoming, but it's at least a two-hour drive from Jackson. With three horses and a couple of dogs, they were aiming for a hidden valley deep inside the Jedediah Smith Wilderness, a vast landscape of snow-covered mountains and plateaus, pristine alpine lakes, and deep canyons that drain the western slope of the Tetons. On day two of their trip, Terri suffered severe injuries after her horse, a buckskin named Angel Fire, fell on top of her on an exposed section of trail roughly nine miles in the backcountry. In the Season 7 opener of The Fine Line, Terri and Brit revisit the ordeal, while TCSAR volunteers Chase Lockhart and Andrew Armington discuss how the team responded. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. Interviews were conducted in the studios at KHOL 89.1 FM. Theme song by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. The Fine Line podcast is sponsored by Stio and by Roadhouse Brewing Company.

When climbers Lars Schou and Sahir Enriquez joined up to climb the Open Book in Grand Teton National Park on July 25, 2021, they were confident it would be a beautiful “Sunday cruise” in the mountains. On the third pitch, however, Schou took a bad fall and sustained major injuries to both of his legs. In this episode, Schou and Enriquez discuss the ordeal, while Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger Philip Edmonds shares his perspective on responding to the incident on a precarious ledge. Meanwhile, climber Julia Heemstra speaks to how she and friend Hadden Goodman witnessed the fall and made the call to 911, and we hear from pilot Steve Wilson, who explains how he ever so carefully placed Edmonds on the wall via short-haul with the helicopter’s rotor blades mere feet from the rock face. Tune in for this incredible tale of a Teton rescue. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This episode of The Fine Line is sponsored by Roadhouse Brewing Co. Thanks to KHOL 89.1 FM for the use of their studio.

When the emergency call came in to TCSAR on February 6, 2022, the report said that the patient had crashed on his snowmobile and could not feel his arms or legs. In this episode, TCSAR volunteers Dr. AJ Wheeler and Ryan Combs explain how the team responds to such severe injuries in a remote location. And we hear directly from the snowmobiler about how the crash happened—and how he's doing now. Thanks to Roadhouse Brewing Co. for their generous support of The Fine Line and backcountry safety in Jackson Hole. Interview and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks.

Just one ridge to the south from the top of Teton Pass, Wyo., Chivers Ridge is known as a popular backcountry ski run for its ease of access. But it also features steep drop-offs on either side, as well as manmade infrastructure such as power lines and cables that you may not always expect to find on a backcountry run. On January 23, 2022, Matt Bambach, a 29-year-old skier, found this out the hard way. That morning, he gathered on the pass with a bunch of friends to celebrate his roommate’s birthday. It was supposed to be a fun day of party skiing. But on their very first run, it all came crashing down when he sustained a life-threatening injury about halfway down Chivers Ridge. Despite how close he was to the road, it presented some very real challenges for his companions as well as the response from Teton County Search and Rescue. In this episode, Bambach recounts his freak accident and the response from TCSAR volunteers Anthony Stevens and KC Bess. The volunteers offer an in-depth look at TCSAR’s short-haul operations, while Jules Bell explains how she was suddenly put into the position of keeping Bambach from bleeding to death while maintaining composure to dial for help. If you would like to help support TCSAR’s emergency helicopter program, you can do so at www.TetonCountySAR.org. Until May 13, all donations are generously matched and go directly to helping TCSAR volunteers save lives in the backcountry. Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. Thanks to Angus Thuermer for pointing us in the right direction regarding the history of Chivers Ridge. Thank you to Roadhouse Brewing Co. for the generous sponsorship of The Fine Line. We are also grateful to KHOL 89.1 FM for the use of their studio.

While many Jackson Hole locals flocked to the Tetons for a day of powder skiing on February 15, 2020, Teton County Search & Rescue volunteers loaded up their heavy packs for routine training on Snow King Mountain. But the training session quickly turned into a life-or-death emergency when longtime TCSAR volunteer Robb Sgroi came down with a rare and severe form of anaphylaxis. Most people associate anaphylaxis with bee stings, which of course is not possible in Jackson Hole in the middle of February. Anaphylaxis can also be brought on by food allergies that kick someone’s immune response into overdrive and may therefore shut down vital organs. But that’s not what happened here, either. So how did Sgroi—a tall, lean husband and father—end up itchy, on the ground, and spiraling into unconsciousness? This episode explores the mysterious reasons for his condition, how the team was able to diagnose it in the field, and ultimately save his life. Interviews by Matt Hansen. Editing by Melinda Binks. Thank you to Roadhouse Brewing Co. for sponsoring The Fine Line and supporting backcountry safety in Jackson Hole.

The consequences of not communicating in the mountains became abundantly clear on January 22, 2022, when skiers Collin Binko and Michael Martin encountered a lone snowboarder at the base of the Sliver Couloir in Grand Teton National Park. All three had eyes on the same prize, but neither party talked to the other. What happened next has been a frequent topic of conversation in the backcountry community, and a growing concern for many heading into the high alpine. Leading off Season 6 of The Fine Line, this episode explores this issue head on, with Martin and Binko giving their account of the day. We also hear from alpinist and licensed therapist Ryan Burke about coming onto the scene and the dangerous role ego plays in the mountains. Jessica Baker, an AMGA-certified ski guide who has more than two decades of experience in the Tetons, walks us through the importance of situational awareness and why communication is so crucial for everyone’s safety. This episode does not seek to expose villains or heroes, but rather to shed light on an important lesson everyone can learn from. Interviews by Matt Hansen. Editing by Melinda Binks. Thank you to Roadhouse Brewing Co. for the generous sponsorship of The Fine Line, and to KHOL 89.1 FM for the use of their studio.

Most of us are pretty good at talking about our physical injuries. A broken wrist on a bike ride. A blown ACL while skiing. When it comes to stress injuries and mental health, however, it’s easy to want to pretend that everything is fine—no doctor necessary. But we have come to understand that experiencing a traumatic event, as well as the cumulative effect of stress over the years, can have a serious impact on one’s mental health. In this episode, Laura McGladrey and Nick Armitage discuss stress injuries and psychological first aid for first responders. They also explain the Stress Continuum, and how the 3-3-3 approach is a useful tool for helping others build resilience after experiencing a traumatic event. Even if you are not a first responder, you'll find this conversation relevant and relatable on many different levels. It touches on life in mountain towns (guess what, it's not always powder days and scenic vistas), stress depletion, and how each of us can be more intentional with our ‘green choices.’ And let's be honest: we could all use more help dealing with stress these days. ResponderAlliance.com is an excellent resource for additional information, and can help teams establish programs to build resilience. Teton Interagency Peer Support (TIPS) provides mental health services for first responders and their families in Teton County, and can provide guidance for teams around the country establish similar programs. MentalHealthJH.com is another great resource for Jackson Hole residents. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing by Melinda Binks. Thanks to Roadhouse Brewing Co. for their support of this podcast and backcountry safety in Jackson Hole.

People and horses have a long shared history in Jackson Hole. But not everyone rides off into the sunset. Example: On September 12, 2020, Teton County Search & Rescue was alerted to two women, sisters from Texas, who had been seriously injured after falling from their horses at the same time in the Gros Ventre Wilderness. In this episode, the two women share their experience with a finely tuned sense of humor, while TCSAR volunteers Keegan Pfeil and Lizzie Watson discuss the team's response up what might be the most rugged road in Teton County. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing by Melinda Binks. Thank you to Roadhouse Brewing Company for sponsoring The Fine Line and supporting backcountry safety in Jackson Hole.

In Part 2 of "The Ray Shriver Story," Mike Moyer discusses how he survived the tragic helicopter crash that killed his TCSAR teammate, Ray Shriver. Carol Viau, another TCSAR volunteer, talks about how she was first on the scene, while Tim Ciocarlan goes into detail about how the team recovered from this terrible incident. Shriver's two sons, Zach and Matt, remind us why this story matters and why it's important to them to help keep their dad's memory alive. Interviews by Matt Hansen and Rebecca Huntington. Edited by Rebecca Huntington. Thank you to Roadhouse Brewing Company for sponsoring The Fine Line and their support of backcountry safety in Jackson Hole.

On February 15, 2012, Teton County Search and Rescue received an emergency call to help an injured snowmobiler in the Togwotee area, about 60 miles northeast of Jackson, Wyoming. The response started like many others, with the team gathering at the hangar to decide on a plan. Given the remote nature of the accident, they decided to send the helicopter pilot with two SAR volunteers, Mike Moyer and Ray Shriver. The routine call would turn out to be anything but, as tragedy unfolded beneath the blue Wyoming sky, forcing the volunteers to search for their own, with Shriver, a founding TCSAR member, paying the ultimate price. In this two-part series, TCSAR volunteers and Shriver’s two sons remember him as an influential, if hard-nosed, team member and father, and explain how they were able to emerge from the wreckage and move forward. Thank you to Roadhouse Brewing Company for sponsoring The Fine Line and their support of backcountry safety in Jackson Hole.

How does a young person gain access to the backcountry? How do they do it safely? What happens when their Instagram feed is taken over by high flying stunts instead of avalanche awareness? How do they navigate not just the unforgiving wilderness, but life during the pandemic? What should parents and leaders in snow safety know about how kids approach avalanche terrain? To get a better understanding of what young people think about going into the backcountry, we invited three Jackson Hole teenagers into the conversation. Thanks to Soraya Ziem, Ryan Millham, and Zack Little for the discussion. Show Notes The most important thing anyone can do before they go into the backcountry is get a formal avalanche education. Our guests achieved this through different youth programs offered in Jackson Hole. BackcountryZero.com/winter has a full list of resources on where you can get an avalanche education. The Jackson Hole Ski Club Backcountry Program is in its second year. Info: https://jhskiclub.org/backcountry Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club has introduced hundreds of kids to backcountry safety over the years. You can find a great video about the Mountaineering Club on their Facebook page. Info: https://www.tcsd.org/Athletics/Sport/41 Coombs Outdoors offers children from low-income households the opportunity to access skiing and other outdoor activities all year long. Info: https://www.coombsoutdoors.org Volunteer survey-takers, like Ryan Millham, have recorded data about backcountry habits from more than 3,000 people since 2016. Find out more about this program in the 5-year Backcountry Zero Review, published in December 2020. The review also includes information about the popular What’s In Your Pack classes. Subscribe to the TCSAR Foundation newsletter so you can be notified of when these classes are offered. They always fill up fast. Info: http://www.tetoncountysar.org/rescue-reports Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing by Melinda Binks.

It’s human nature for all of us to want to prove ourselves. But in backcountry skiing, where margins for error in avalanche terrain can be razor thin, this can be a dangerous path—for experts, beginners, and everyone in between. Concluding this two-part series of The Fine Line, Anna Meteyer confronts these and other complexities from April 1, 2020, when her friend and touring partner Trace Carrillo died in an avalanche on Teton Pass, Wyo. Meanwhile, TCSAR volunteer Jennifer Sparks talks about how psychological first aid has become a priority for first responders in Teton County. Thank you to Anna Meteyer for sharing her story, and to Trace Carrillo's family and friends for supporting backcountry safety in his name through a scholarship fund at the University of Utah. Show Notes Please remember: It’s okay to not be okay. And it's perfectly fine to ask for help. To learn more about mental health support offered by Teton Interagency Peer Support group, or TIPS, go to https://www.tetontips.com/. If you or someone you know is suffering from stress trauma, mental illness or just needs someone to talk to, go to https://www.mentalhealthjh.com. Available to all Teton County, Wyo., residents. For information on the Trace Carrillo scholarship fund providing Level 1 avalanche courses to students at the University of Utah, go to https://ustarter.utah.edu/o/university-of-utah-39/i/ustarter/s/trace-carrillo-dreamachieve. Photo: Will Smith/TCSAR

On April 1, 2020, Anna Meteyer met her friend Trace Carrillo for a backcountry snowboard tour on Taylor Mountain, a large peak on the west side of Teton Pass, Wyoming. In this two-part series of The Fine Line, Meteyer describes the tragedy that unfolded, the brutal lessons she learned, and her struggle to cope and move forward. We hope the take away from this honest conversation about risk and decision making is not an opportunity to judge others, but as a way of reflecting on how we can all improve the ways in which we approach the backcountry. Whether you are a longtime backcountry user or just starting out, please be respectful and take the time to consider this story with an open mind. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing by Melinda Binks.

In Part 2 of our story about a crevasse rescue on the Teton Glacier, Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger Mike Shain helps Tyler Willis get off the mountain to medical treatment, and they discuss the lessons that every climber in the Tetons should be aware of before they begin an adventure.

Thirty feet down a dark, icy crevasse, Tyler Willis never gave up hope that he would be rescued. That he was eventually pulled from the depths of the Teton Glacier by his climbing partner and two passersby after more than an hour of rope rigging is testament to the value of companion rescue. The harrowing tale from August 8, 2020, includes two chapters: the fall and complicated extrication from the crevasse, and how Jenny Lake climbing rangers eventually got Willis off the mountain.

Season 5 of The Fine Line begins: On the calm evening of September 5, 2020, two mountain bikers set off to ride the technical Phillips Canyon trail off Teton Pass. About halfway into the ride, they approached the second of three log bridge crossings. One rider made it across. The other lost her balance and fell off the side of the bridge into the cold creek below. Unable to walk, in severe pain, and with hypothermia setting in as darkness fell, the biker was in for a long night.

Four Pines is one of the most popular ski descents in the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort backcountry. And yet, when something goes horribly wrong, as it did for Tom Gehling on the snowy afternoon of February 5, 2019, it can be like another planet and have life-altering consequences. Gehling's accident and dramatic helicopter rescue are the subject of the newest episode of The Fine Line. The episode features honest dialogue about decision-making during high avalanche danger, complacency for lift-served backcountry, “epic powder skiing,” and why having a rescue-ready helicopter is so critical to Teton County, Wyoming.

In Chapter 3, James Moore talks with rescuer Lizzie Watson, his wife, Betsy, and brother, Jake Peasley, about his rescue, recovery and even some unexpected moments of humor as rescuers rushed him to safety. Photo: TCSAR team member Lizzie Watson was medical lead in responding to Moore's injuries. James' wife, Betsy, stands in the middle.

In Chapter 2, James Moore and his brother, Jake Peasley, describe the intensity of the grizzly attack, and their hasty retreat from the wilderness via horseback to get to help. Photo: TCSAR team member Lizzie Watson was medical lead in responding to Moore's injuries. James' wife, Betsy, stands in the middle.

James Moore had experience hunting in grizzly country. And if the Teton Wilderness is anything, it's full of grizzly bears. Moore struck out for the Whetstone Mountain area with his brother, Jake Peasley, and good friend Brent Bongers. It didn't take them long to spot their first grizzly. In a three-part series, The Fine Line follows Moore and his party through the hunt, the attack and the fight for survival that all unfolded on Sept. 25, 2017. Photo: TCSAR team member Lizzie Watson was medical lead in responding to James Moore's injuries. James' wife, Betsy, stands in the middle.

On Jan. 18, 2019, Jackson skier Jenny Karns fell upside down into a terrain trap during a powder day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. With her ski partner well ahead and unaware, she became trapped, with just one ski sticking out of the snow. Just seconds from suffocating, she was found and dug out by three people who happened to be skiing by. One of those skiers joins Jenny in the studio, as well as Kirk "Sparky" Speckhals, a longtime JHMR ski patroller, who was first on scene and offers perspective on Snow Immersion Suffocation, a danger that lurks on powder days.

The wind. It’s a dangerous variable, stripping snow from one zone and then loading up another. Even when danger is moderate and a ski route, well known, wind can be a wild card. With a heavy dose of wind in the weather this month, we replay an episode about skiing the Spoon Couloir. Rene Etter-Garrette had already started questioning the risk of dying in an avalanche when he and two friends headed into Grand Teton National Park on February 4, 2016. But that day, avalanche danger had been rated moderate. And Rene planned to ski a line that he'd already successfully tackled several times before. He'd been living in Jackson Hole for six winters. During the ski season he worked at a local shop tuning skis. He'd found mentors willing to share their backcountry knowledge. This time, he lead the way as he and two friends headed for the Spoon Couloir.

On February 20, 2018, IFMGA-certified mountain guide Paul Rachele was trying to set up a winter climbing route on a sharp crag off Teton Pass called The Reef. As he was setting the final anchor, he ran out of rope and fell 100 feet, sustaining numerous severe injuries. His call for help set in motion a rapid response as rescuers raced against the clock to get him to safety before nightfall. Conversation includes TCSAR members Phillip Fox and Alex St. Clair. Photo: Paul Rachele

Bernhard Rietmann had a great sense of wanderlust. His drive for adventure landed him in Jackson Hole in the 1960s. Back when tourists only came in summer and innkeepers routinely hung up a gone fishing sign after Labor Day. After decades of exploring the valley, Rietmann knew the Granite Creek Drainage well. He often went hunting there solo. On Sept. 23, 2015, carrying a sandwich, a water bottle and a rifle, the 84-year-old went looking for deer. When he didn't return, a massive effort mobilized to find him. In this episode, Rietmann's son, Max, and longtime TCSAR volunteer Alex Norton give an inside look at how the search panned out.

The forecast looked promising the day before. But when climbers set out to summit the Grand Teton on July 21, 2010, a thunderstorm blasted the iconic peak. As repeated lightning strikes pinned climbers to steep, exposed terrain, rangers suddenly found themselves racing to save 17 people, even as the mountain remained shrouded in storm clouds. The incident turned into the largest rescue effort ever undertaken on the Grand. This podcast is produced by Backcountry Zero, with support from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. Backcountry Zero is a project of the Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation. You can support this project and the volunteers at Teton County Search and Rescue by making an online donation today at tetoncountysar.org/donate. If you like listening to the Fine Line, considering sharing us with a friend. Host: Rebecca Huntington

Spencer and Jessica Christiansen knew once they rappelled into the Darby Canyon Ice Cave they couldn't turn back. Spencer had done what he could to research the route, but the maze-like caves are mostly unmapped and ever changing. As clues pulled them in misleading directions, the couple found themselves trapped underground for two mentally and physically grueling days in August of 2018. You can support this project and the volunteers at Teton County Search and Rescue. Make an online donation today by going to tetoncountysar.org/donate. This podcast is produced by Backcountry Zero, with support from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. Backcountry Zero is a project of the Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation.

An experienced athlete, Sally Franklyn started skiing with her parents before she could even walk. On March 24, 2012, she and three friends headed for a steep couloir called Once is Enough south of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boundary. When the 26-year-old dropped into the couloir she took a life-altering tumble more than 800 feet down chute. Friends call her Superwoman Sally, not only surviving that day but for fighting her way through what's been a painstaking recovery.

After taking a wrong turn on his snowboard in a whiteout, Pierre Bergman ended up stranded and alone in the backcountry. The 26-year-old works at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort where he skis everyday, but even experienced skiers can lose their way in blowing snow. Not knowing if rescuers would come for him, Bergman started hiking back up the mountain through waist-deep snow.

Greg Epstein cut his teeth skiing the backcountry of Jackson Hole. Along with friends, he had explored every nook and cranny of Granite Canyon just outside resort boundaries in Grand Teton National Park. As part of his job at Teton Gravity Research, he ran avalanche safety and wilderness first aid workshops for the film company's production crew and athletes. So he was prepared for a rescue, he just didn't expect it to be his own. Epstein revisits his rescue with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrollers Reed Finlay and Jeff Burke.

As avalanche season approaches, here's a re-play of our most popular episode ever. When you move to Jackson in your 20’s, you can suddenly find yourself thrust into an extreme playground where the stakes are literally life and death. Accomplished ski racers Jim Ryan and Connor Nolan had the skills to tackle some of Jackson’s burliest lines. Their desire to ski those big lines blinded them to the level of risk they were taking until the day they attempted Gothic Couloir. Rescuer Cody Lockhart understood that desire.

In October of 2012, Jackson architect Paul Duncker met up with friends for a fall hunt in the heart of the Gros Ventre mountains. When Paul didn't return to hunting camp that night, his friends called search and rescue. Early the next morning Search and Rescue volunteers fanned out across the Dry Cottonwood Creek Drainage. But as they looked for Paul, they didn't encounter a single clue. The Fine Line shares real stories of adventure, risk and rescue in the backcountry of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This podcast is produced by Backcountry Zero, with support from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. Backcountry Zero is a project of the Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation. Support this project and Teton County Search and Rescue volunteers by making a donation today at www.tetoncountysar.org/donate. You can also support The Fine Line by sharing this podcast with friends and family, especially if they're heading into the backcountry.