The consequences of not communicating in the mountains became abundantly clear on January 22, 2022, when skiers Collin Binko and Michael Martin encountered a lone snowboarder at the base of the Sliver Couloir in Grand Teton National Park. All three had eyes on the same prize, but neither party talked to the other. What happened next has been a frequent topic of conversation in the backcountry community, and a growing concern for many heading into the high alpine.

Leading off Season 6 of The Fine Line, this episode explores this issue head on, with Martin and Binko giving their account of the day. We also hear from alpinist and licensed therapist Ryan Burke about coming onto the scene and the dangerous role ego plays in the mountains. Jessica Baker, an AMGA-certified ski guide who has more than two decades of experience in the Tetons, walks us through the importance of situational awareness and why communication is so crucial for everyone’s safety.

This episode does not seek to expose villains or heroes, but rather to shed light on an important lesson everyone can learn from.

Interviews by Matt Hansen. Editing by Melinda Binks.

Thank you to Roadhouse Brewing Co. for the generous sponsorship of The Fine Line, and to KHOL 89.1 FM for the use of their studio.

42. The Sliver Couloir: The Downfall of Miscommunication

On January 10th,  2020 Adam Campbell and his wife, Laura Kosakoski were skiing with their friend Kevin in the Mount Hector area of Banff National Park. Laura skied first, Kevin followed, as Adam approached the slope, he triggered a size 2.5 avalanche that pushed Laura into a terrain trap and buried her with over 12 feet of snow. Although Adam and Kevin were able to get to her, she never regained consciousness. She passed away from her injuries the next day. Adam has had to live with the grief and trauma of triggering the slide and losing his wife ever since. 

This episode was recorded LIVE at the American Alpine Club’s Annual Benefit weekend in Denver, Colorado on March 26th, 2022.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe.  Episode sponsors include Rocky Talkie, Sterling Ropes and the American Alpine Club. 

--> 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at www.rockytalkie.com with code SHARPEND
—> 15% off Sterling Rope with code SHARPEND
—> 20% off First Aid contents at MyMedic.com with code SHARPEND20

Become a Patreon: patreon.com/thesharpendpodcast
Visit my website: www.thesharpendpodcast.com

Ep 76 - LIVE w/ Arc'teryx Athlete Adam Campbell

Simon Trautman grew up running around in hay fields outside of Lander, Wyoming. Following a stint as a US Navy Corpsman, he earned a BS in Geology at Western Washington University and an MS in Earth Science from Montana State University. His research focused on wet snow avalanche phenomena. He has worked as an avalanche forecaster for the Moonlight Basin Ski Patrol, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, and the Sawtooth Avalanche Center (where he served as the Director from 2012-2014). Simon joined the National Avalanche Center in the summer of 2014.  Simon is the current acting director of the National Avalanche Center.  In this episode, we chat about the history of US avalanche centers, the role of the NAC in guiding US avalanche centers in a common direction, and some of the recent developments of the Avalanche Center Dashboard.  Simon explains what goes into writing an avalanche forecast, and the best way for the public to use the forecast.  
Music by Ketsa

www.avalanche.org

Backcountry Avalanche Forecasts Explained: 
https://youtu.be/UJTynkEwllY

An Introduction to the North American Danger Scale: https://youtu.be/r_-KpOu7tbA

Avalanche Problems Explained:
https://youtu.be/DkbnT_9-cHU

Braille Mountain Initiative Climbathon: https://www.braillemountaininitiative.com/climb-a-thon

7.12 Simon Trautman

Aspen Expeditions Backcountry Report 11.24.14

Aspen Backcountry Report - Wednesday, 11/26/14

Are you ready to say yes to life? Are you ready to surrender to it? Did you know that these two concepts are also one and the same?

If surrendering sounds like giving up, if it's difficult for you or if you're not even sure where to begin, this episode is for you! Join in to listen to stories of and lessons from moments of utter surrender from my own life (aka Suckville). 

Then we'll embark on a guided meditation together designed to help you take the first important step to saying yes to both life and healing.

Live From Suckville 

24: How to Say Yes to Life

Season 8 of The Fine Line concludes with a wild story that demonstrates how there will always be people who go right up to the edge in the Tetons, and venture beyond it despite the risks.

The story includes the keen perspectives of Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Anthony Stevens and TCSAR Chief Pilot Steve Wilson, and how they rescued local snowboarder Sasha Motivala after a traumatic accident on No Name Peak back in April. 

Please tune in for this thought-provoking conversation about risk tolerance, decision-making, and the lifesaving skillsets of Teton County Search & Rescue.

Produced by Backcountry Zero, Season 8 of The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with support from Roadhouse Brewing Co., Arc'teryx and KHOL. 

Editing for The Fine Line is by Melinda Binks, with original artwork by Jen Reddy. The theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music produced by Ben Winship. Interview and storytelling by Matt Hansen.

Thank you so much for listening to The Fine Line. If you like what you hear, please leave us a review and share it with a friend.

59: No Name: How Far Are You Willing to Go?

1:35- What does the Indy500 mean to you?
5:46- Matt's reoccurring May Nightmare. 
7:25- Dumb Indycar comment from me! Why I don't get the pole qualifications run.
9:20-Matt explains why the Indy500 pole run is so special.
14:19- Working with Danica Patrick this month.
16:45- Back country skiing in Canada.
17:50- That time Matt rode a motorcycle off a mountain.
21:34- How a night of partying turned into a race win.
23:42- What does your bio read? "Matt Barnes doesn't have BARS"

Ep. 8: Preparing for Indy500 with Matt Barnes Indycar Engineer

In this episode of Backcountry Talk, we are speaking with Mark Staples, director of Utah Avalanche Center. We are speaking about subjects like Couloir skiing and the mentality you need to approach the backcountry with, to stay alive to shred another day.

If you want to learn more about Utah Avalanche Center
https://utahavalanchecenter.org

The Know Before You Go website, full of free online learning courses, that is great to refresh your skills or prepare yourself to get the most out of your avalanche course
https://kbyg.org

Join the 48 FreeRiders community

https://48freeriders.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/48FreeRiders
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/469890696973428
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/48freeriders/

Backcountry Talk Podcast Episode 7

Welcome to the first Third Thursday with Wes Gregg.  In this episode I talk with Kyle Lamothe who is a park rat from the icy slopes of northern Ontario, Canada turned Ski Mountaineer.  He packed up and relocated to the Canadian rockies before finally settling into a little ski town called Revelstoke, British Columbia.  After gaining an education and establishing a career in hospitality, Kyle took a single trip to Sol Mountain Lodge.  Upon his return he ditched the suit and tie, and embarked on his path as a ski guide.  Due to the current global pandemic, Kyle’s progress was significantly impacted.  He finds himself now in limbo in the hopes of being able complete his ACMG guide exam this winter.  Kyle spends 100+ days a season ski touring recreationally, as well as Tail guiding at Sol Mountain Lodge. 

Also this episode we introduce the El Professional snow saw from Primo Snow and Avalanche by offering a 10% off discount code: TAH10 when used at checkout.  Just head on over to www.primosnowavalanche.com and pick up the saw that cuts straight and is light weight.  Don’t forget to give them a follow as well @primosnowandavalanche

Also, take a screenshot of your subscription to this podcast to get entered in a draw for one of these saws.  The winner will be announced during the Jan 5, 2021 episode with Matt Primono.

Follow us on Instagram @theavalanchehour 

Follow our supporters on Instagram for up to date news from them.

@TASBYMND
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Resources on the socials

@americanavalancheassociation
@avalanchecanada

The Avalanche Hour Podcast  Ep. 5.5 Kyle Lamothe

Blending the wisdom of the earth, the animals and plants with myths and real stories of overcoming adversity and trauma to create original tales that heal the land and the humans who live on it.

Full-service mountain guide company and mountain shop based in Aspen, Colorado.

A podcast produced/hosted by Ashley Saupe, sponsored by Rocky Talkie and supported by the American Alpine Club. This podcast aims to minimize future outdoor accidents by way of story telling. Real people sharing real stories. 
"Play Hard and Be Smart"
www.thesharpendpodcast.com

The Fine Line podcast tells real stories of adventure, risk and rescue in the backcountry of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero, a project from the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation that uses storytelling to elevate backcountry preparedness.

Sports Anchor with WTHR- NBC Indianapolis. Discussing Sports, Culture and all-around dope stories.

What is 48 FreeRiders?

48 FreeRiders is an online community connecting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. This social media based platform can be used to share your adventures, knowledge, and unique experiences with other FreeRiders.

48Freeriders Mission:

TO BUILD a community where information, knowledge, and experience can be shared to increase understanding and promote safety while traveling in the backcountry.

TO CONNECT FreeRiders around the world to allow people with similar passions to meet; whether they live in the same mountain range or across the world.

TO INSPIRE other FreeRiders through sharing adventures, achievements, and safety knowledge.

48 FreeRiders is an online community connecting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. This social media based platform can be used to share your adventures, knowledge, and unique experiences with other FreeRiders.

Popular tracks tagged #backcountryskiing