Avalanche Dogs at Park City Mountain Resort

A great deal of training is needed for the dogs by their handler. A team, as it's called consists of a dog handler, their dog and a second handler/shoveler. Before the patroller is certified to be a dog handler, they have dug many "dog holes" and been buried in them. All the the dog handlers at Park City Mountain resort are trained under the guidelines of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue.

Park City Mountain Resort normally has five dogs in the program. The dogs vary in experience, the goal being to always have at-least a couple of Level A dogs. At this time the PCMR dog line-up is as follows: Belle Starr (10 year, female, golden retriever), who has faithfully served the program for 10 years and is nearing her retirement. There are four current Level A dogs; Zeke (4 year, male, yellow lab), Kenai (9 year, female, golden retriever mix), Stella (3 year, female, pointer mix) and Zoe (8 year, female, black lab). Last season, a new puppy, Tremper (10 month, male, golden retriever) began his mountain orientation. Tremper is progressing very well in his training this season.

When the ski resort open at least one dog is available. The work together at times when a skier is buried to speed in the recovery. A level A dog is available to assist at other resorts if needed or in the backcountry at the Sheriff's request.

Information provided by Park City Mountain Resort.