Four must-haves for local snowmobilers
Published at | Updated at
ISLAND PARK — Another snowstorm is layering the landscape in Island Park. The fluffy white of winter, which will turn into much needed summer liquid, is magnificent to see in the high country. It’s also enticing for play.
Thousands of snowmobilers from all over the country idolize Island Park for its 500 miles of snowmobile trail, 900 miles including West Yellowstone. As the snow piles up, so do the snowmobilers. Fremont County has the highest number of registered snowmobilers in Idaho. Some of those snowmobilers end up needing a search party.
“That’s a huge area. That’s like finding a needle in a haystack,” says Brett Mackert, Fremont County Search and Rescue member and former commander. “In fact, finding a needle in a haystack may be easier.”
Almost three dozen volunteers operate Fremont County Search and Rescue. It’s one of the most active search and rescue teams in the state. They average 20-70 rescues annually.
“We do have a lot of problems with snowmobilers, with people getting down in a canyon where they shouldn’t be and getting stuck and we have a huge amount of avalanche danger in our county,” Mackert says. “A huge amount of danger.”
The rescue team suggests snowmobilers have four essentials with them when playing in the powder: avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and a partner.
Members of Fremont County Search and Rescue wear avalanche beacons in the backcountry, but they only see beacons on rescued snowmobilers 20% of the time. The shovel should be easily accessible and the probe should be on the outside of your pack. You should know how to use all three tools well. The fourth essential, a partner, applies to any backcountry sport. A partner can help you when you can’t help yourself.
An additional must-have is what you’re sitting on: snowmobile. If you’re already on one, don’t leave it. Search missions have a higher success rate if you stay with your sled when you need help.
“That makes it easier for us to find them,” Mackert says. “We know they’re on a track and we can ride to the end of that track and hopefully ride to them.”
Outdoor journalist Kris Millgate is based in Idaho Falls, Idaho. See her work at www.tightlinemedia.com.