MOUNTAIN TRAVEL AND RESCUE (MTR)

NSP’s Mountain Travel and Rescue Program offers a sequence of courses that prepare ski patrollers and others to manage group safety and to participate in search-and-rescue operations in the mountains, including backcountry and off-piste settings. The courses cover basic survival skills, mountain travel techniques, wilderness navigation, hazard management, mountain weather, group dynamics, environmental considerations, medical problems specific to mountain environments, search-and-rescue principles, and emergency rescue techniques, including rope work.

There are five courses. Mountain Travel and Rescue Fundamentals and Mountain Travel Rescue 1 prepare candidates to be search-team members in ground-based search and rescue operations. Mountain Travel and Rescue 2 prepares more experienced candidates to serve as task-force or strike-team leaders. Mountain Travel and Rescue Clinics (with no prerequisites) and Mountain Travel and Rescue Enhancement Seminars (for students who have completed MTR F, MTR 1, or MTR 2) focus in depth on specific skills for mountain search and rescue operations. All courses involve hands-on field sessions; Mountain Travel and Rescue 1 and 2 require overnight field sessions.

The Mountain Travel and Rescue Program helps teach backcountry skills. Questions about the MTR Program can be directed to MTR Program Region Advisor Randy Tufts at randytufts@yahoo.com.

Central Division Mountain Travel Rescue Website

National Ski Patrol Mountain Travel Rescue Website