Mountain Rescue Aspen

We are a volunteer organization dedicated to saving lives through backcountry rescue and mountain safety education.

We are one of the oldest search and rescue teams in the state. We are accredited through the Rocky Mountain Region of the Mountain Rescue Association. We work as volunteers for the Pitkin County Sheriff’s office; providing search and rescue services in Pitkin County and mutual aid for other counties throughout Colorado. We respond to approximately 100 calls annually.

Our dedicated 50-member team annually donates thousands upon thousands of person-hours serving Pitkin County’s community and visitors. These hours represent time away from families to attend meetings and trainings; educate the public with our annual community avalanche seminar; teach children what to do if they are lost through the national “Hug-A-Tree” program, and of course, engage in search and rescue missions.

100% unpaid volunteers Unlike other emergency response agencies such as Police or Ambulance, or even Volunteer Fire, there is no tax base or public budget for Mountain Rescue. We are 100% unpaid volunteers who raise the funding we need each year through the solicitation of public donations and applications for local and state grants. We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Donate to support our work

Our Training The entire team is certified as a FEMA Type I Mountain Rescue Team meaning we have to demonstrate competency with Search, High-angle rescue, scree rescue, and avalanche rescue. Members are also trained to fly drones, HAATS hoist technicians, advanced life support, private pilots, accomplished mountaineers, and operational engineers running a complex 501(c)(3).

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member you must go through a process of participation beginning with coming to a meeting.

For an introduction to Mountain Rescue Aspen, we welcome anyone to come to our monthly meeting, which is held the first Monday of each month at 6 pm, unless the Monday falls on a holiday. All meetings take place at 37925 Highway 82, Aspen Colorado. Our facility is near the ProBuild Lumber yard towards the east end of the Aspen Airport runway.

Learn more about becoming a member and joining our team.