Background Statement
Summit County Rescue Group (SCRG) truly saves lives in Summit County, at no cost, since 1972. The group has responded to over 5,000 missions. Whether a lost hiker, avalanche victim or injured backcountry skier, mountain search and rescue teams like SCRG are accustomed to dealing with people having the worst moment of their lives. Trauma, suffering and death are only a part of the story; the men and women of SCRG also contend with and help ease the grief of the family members and friends of those they help.
SCRG also plays an important role in supporting the local and state economies, which are heavily dependent on tourism and outdoor recreation. According to the Colorado Tourism Office, outdoor recreation spending in the state is in the billions, and we are the safety net for that industry in Summit County. The people that SCRG rescues and assists are from all walks of life, from all over the state, the country and beyond.
SCRG also engages in preventative search and rescue (PSAR) programs by participating in community safety events such as Safe Summer Kick-off, Frisco Historical Society lunchtime lectures, Copper Mountain Safety Fest, Silverthorne Winter Carnival, and other local events. We visit elementary schools to teach the Hug a Tree program, help the local snowmobile club with their avalanche rescue skills, visit high school emergency medical skills classes and events, and teach local community members about the importance of being prepared in the backcountry. We have hosted the premier avalanche rescue seminar for rescue teams across the state for 45 years. We also use our social media channels to educate the public about backcountry safety on an almost daily basis.
To help ensure the continued safety of visitors and residents, and the economic vitality of backcountry recreation, please join us in giving back to the community.