FAQs
Alpine Rescue Team has responded to wilderness emergencies since 1959, providing mountain search and rescue – We are Ready, 24/7.
Always free to any individual or agency in need of our expertise and assistance. Call 9-1-1 for assistance
Who Should I call if I have a wilderness emergency?
As with any emergency, dial 9-1-1 and explain your situation to the county sheriff’s office. By Colorado statute, the county sheriff is responsible for all wilderness emergency responses and can be reached by calling 9-1-1.
Why doesn’t the Team charge money for its services?
Because a delay in calling for help increased the risk to subjects and rescuers alike. We don’t want anyone to consider postponing a call-for-help because of a financial concern. Delay can cost life, or limb.
How many people are on your Team?
Alpine Rescue Team currently consists of 50-70 dedicated and highly trained non-paid professional rescue mountaineers. Each has a “real job” and a family. At any time, day or night, members will stop what they are doing and respond immediately to the call for help.
How many missions does the Team respond to per year?
On average, the Team is called to respond to 130-140 incidents annually. Not surprisingly, most rescues occur on weekends.
What kind of training is involved in being a member?
Each member spends approximately 300 hours in training every year, both in the classroom and in the field. Often, more time is spent acquiring additional medical or technical skills. Members donate their time, money, and transportation as well as purchasing their own personal equipment, which can exceed $2000 per year.
How does the Team get called-out?
Team members receive a text, email and phone call from the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s office when there is a BSAR incident, essentially connecting them to any sheriff’s department in the state.
How is the Team funded?
Alpine Rescue Team is funded largely by private donations and grants. Some direct expenses are reimbursed by the Sheriff’s Department and the Colorado-SAR Fund (through the purchase of a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card, a fishing or hunting license, or a boat, ORV or snowmobile registration). Portions of those fees are used to reimburse rescue teams like Alpine Rescue Team for repairs, equipment and specialized training.
How can I donate to the Team?
Alpine Rescue Team gratefully accepts cash donations. You can send a donation via mail, or go to www.alpinerescueteam.org to learn more.