A Look Inside Their Life-Saving Work
Winter in Steamboat Springs is more than just pristine slopes and breathtaking mountain views—it’s also about ensuring safety in the backcountry. This week, Steamboat Resort has become a hub of specialized training as 25 avalanche rescue dogs from across the country participate in a three-day program with the Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD) group.
C-RAD specializes in Search and Rescue Dog Training, equipping these highly skilled canines and their handlers with the expertise needed for emergency avalanche response. With unpredictable mountain conditions, these four-legged heroes play a critical role in finding and rescuing those caught in dangerous slides.
Behind the Scenes: How These Dogs Train to Save Lives
Led by Sally House, team leader for the Avalanche Rescue Dog Program with Steamboat Ski Patrol, the training is an intense yet rewarding experience. These dogs undergo rigorous drills to simulate real-life rescue scenarios, fine-tuning their ability to detect human scent beneath deep snow.
During the program, they practice:
- ✔ Live burial scenarios – honing their ability to locate and signal buried individuals.
- ✔ Helicopter deployments – ensuring they remain calm and responsive in aerial search situations.
- ✔ Off-leash backcountry navigation – allowing them to work efficiently in unpredictable terrain.
The bond between the rescue dogs and their handlers is extraordinary. These teams work tirelessly to be prepared for any situation where seconds matter.
Why Avalanche Dogs Matter in Steamboat
For those exploring Steamboat’s legendary powder, the presence of trained avalanche dogs offers an added layer of security. With a sense of smell that can detect human scent even under several feet of snow, these dogs dramatically improve survival chances in avalanche situations.
Steamboat Ski Patrol and C-RAD are dedicated to fostering community awareness and safety. Whether you’re a backcountry enthusiast, skier, or snowboarder, understanding avalanche risks and preparedness is essential.
Exclusive Interview with Gus, Steamboat’s Star Avalanche Rescue Dog
Team Yazbeck had the privilege of sitting down (and handing out treats) to one of Steamboat Resort’s most heroic pups—Gus, the avalanche rescue dog. Gus has been training with the Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD) group all week, but he made time in his busy schedule to chat with us. We’ll be honest—there was a lot of tail wagging, snow rolling, and some drool involved, but here’s what he had to say.
Team Yazbeck: Gus, thanks for joining us! How’s training going so far?
🐶 Gus: Ruff! I mean, great! Lots of running, sniffing, and digging. My nose has never felt more powerful. They call me “the snow detective.”
Team Yazbeck: That’s an impressive title. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
🐶 Gus: Oh, definitely the part where I find the human under the snow, and then I get a tennis ball. Nothing beats that rush. Well, maybe belly rubs. But mostly the tennis ball.
Team Yazbeck: Any challenges?
🐶 Gus: Sometimes my handler tells me not to eat the snow. But have you tasted the snow here? It’s delicious. Light, fluffy, organic… it’s the Wagyu beef of snow.
Team Yazbeck: We heard you had to train for helicopter deployments. How was that?
🐶 Gus: It was wild! One second, I’m on the ground, the next, I’m flying like a majestic, floppy-eared eagle. I stuck my tongue out the whole time—highly recommend.
Team Yazbeck: What’s your secret to being a top avalanche rescue dog?
🐶 Gus: 80% nose, 10% speed, 10% enthusiasm, and 100% good boy energy.
Team Yazbeck: That math doesn’t quite add up, Gus.
🐶 Gus: I’m a dog, not an accountant.
Team Yazbeck: Fair point. If you weren’t a rescue dog, what would you be doing?
🐶 Gus: I’d be a professional snow roller. Or maybe a stick collector. Actually, I hear there’s an opening at Team Yazbeck for a “Luxury Bone Acquisition Specialist”—any chance I can apply?
Team Yazbeck: We’ll, uh, check with HR. Finally, any advice for Steamboat visitors this winter?
🐶 Gus: Stay avalanche aware, always carry your safety gear, and if you see a dog in a rescue vest, don’t distract us—we’re working! But if you see me after work, feel free to toss me a snack. Or two. Or twelve.
And there you have it—words of wisdom from Steamboat’s most dedicated (and snack-motivated) avalanche rescue dog. Thanks, Gus!
How You Can Support These Rescue Efforts
The work these avalanche dogs do is nothing short of incredible, and they rely on support from the community. You can help by:
- 🐾 Attending avalanche awareness events hosted by Steamboat Ski Patrol.
- 🐾 Learning more about backcountry safety before venturing into unpatrolled areas.
- 🐾 Supporting organizations like C-RAD that train and deploy these life-saving teams.
Steamboat Springs: A Community That Cares
At Team Yazbeck, we are passionate about celebrating the best of Steamboat while promoting safety for all who enjoy the great outdoors. The dedication of these avalanche rescue dogs and their handlers reminds us of the importance of preparedness, teamwork, and respect for the mountains we call home.
Stay tuned for more updates on Steamboat Springs events, local real estate, and community stories by subscribing to Team Yazbeck’s newsletter or following our blog.
📍 See you on the slopes—stay safe and snow smart! ⛷🐶