4 Snowmobilers missing at Jones Pass

[backcountryislife]

We are getting real close to an issue that needs some discussion. If hunters were dying and were calling SAR at the rate snowmobilers are this year, they would close the season. We (snowmobilers all) can get the public to thinking we're dumb, our sport is too great a public burden, too dangerous, etc if we keep going at this rate.

I agree that you need to know your surroundings, avoid getting into situations,, and get your self out any time you can. At the same time, call SAR when necessary.
But better yet, lets avoid the negative publicity by being prepared and avoiding the situations that get us on TV and in the newspapers!

Exactly my point, just stated nicer!!

I am also a climber out of the midwest, a few of our climbing areas were closed down due to the financial burden of rescues at these areas, if people had been more careful & aware, these areas may still have been open. The same worries me when it comes to sledding areas.

 

[hoopers]

yea, it does seem more sledders are getting lost this year....
I dont remember ever hearing about so many.

Probably due to the big snow year....

A few years ago, I almost spent a night at Jones pass. A couple of us followed a couple tracks down a canyon (seeing tracks made us think the path would be OK), only to find two sledders stuck at the bottom. By the time we dug them out, it was close to dark. After digging them out, we had to climb a pretty steep hill to get out of the ravine....and it was all powder. Trouble was there was no space to get a running start at the hill. Well, after about 2 hours of trying and trying, repacking and repacking the hill, we made it out....

 

[Aspencreek]

It does seem like you see a lot of snowmobilers in the news this year. The thing that gets me is I will NOT ride anything that I know that I can't. That is one of the biggest reasons that I will ride the trails and wait for my husband while he rides in the trees for a little while.

With that said we where up at Corona Bowl a couple of weeks ago and there was a guy stuck pretty badly so we stopped and helped him out. Well when we finally got him out a couple of other guys rode up and said oh there you are. Then they came to say this is the first time we have been together all weekend long!!! WHAT!!!! How can you go ridding with a group but not stay together or know where the other group members are???? We just don't get it.

 

[Toddstud2003]

This is something I'm curious to know. I know that our registrations help to pay for the SAR. Is that correct? Then why is the fox news trying to say they need to charge people when SAR goes out to find these people. I know our registration probably doesn't cover everything. And if if it doesn't cover SAR why not add $1 like Wy. I still agree that you should know the area and be prepared. I wonder if the the guys had done this before, By saying it was no big deal. Thats true they should have at least thanked the guys for getting them out of there. Thats pretty sh$#ty not to thank your rescuer.
Still glad they are alright.
I have never had to be in that situation and never to be. If I'm sure about where I'm at I go back to what I know. Taking that risk is just not worth it. "Know your limits" is good saying to go by.

 

[03RMK800]

SAR and "rescue fee"

Your Colorado snowmobile, ATV, hunting license, fishing license, and hiking permit (yes, you can get one so that, as a non-hunter, you can contribute to DOW wildlife that makes your hike so memorable) and, I think, on your habitat stamp for access to state lands, the fee ends in "$x.25." The twenty-five cents goes into a state-administered search and rescue fund. Problem is that SAR is actually a local activity, generally under the sheriff and funded by the county. It is often harder than he!! for the sheriff to get any money out of the fund (eg your county didn't fund you enough, your program is not what we pay for, we're broke because the legislature stole it all this year, etc.). Several sheriffs I talked to over the years say they don't even bother to try.

You haven't actually paid for your rescue by the 25 cents, no matter how many licenses you buy and machines you license. If you gotta call em out, donate directly to the SAR that helps you-- its the best help the SAR will get.

Haven't seen FOX news on it, but it seems they are just stirring the pot. SARs generally oppose direct fee for rescue so that people will call them; on the other hand, there sure are situations crying out for a fee on certain rescues. Time to lobby the legislature to make better use of our two bits?

 

[black swan]

twice is nice.........

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/02/05/020508_1b_snowmobilers.html#comments

 

[backcountryislife]

Wow, it's a good thing that instead of being smarter, they're just going to buy an expensive toy so they can call search & rescue FASTER the third time.

You know, darwin had this theory...

Something went wrong with the practice of that theory.

 

[Kid Rock]

kind of like hiking Longs in sneakers, jeans and hooded sweat

jones is not for rookies, especially this year. And yeah, hike your sorry but out.

we ve had veteran riders dieing in the backcountry this year, bottom line is you gotta respect the backcountry.

"if you listen, the mountain will tell you when to climb" Ed Viesturs

 

[backcountryislife]

btw, I found out yesterday...


These retards were locals, they were from ho springs! And they knew exactly where they were. I had lunch with a few SAR guys yesterday & they were embarassed to admit they knew the guys.


even MORE pitiful


Darwin, where are you????

 

[SSWIM]

A little harsh in here!!!!!

Sam

 

[backcountryislife]

What? harsh? me?

no way.

It really burns me to have my little county's resources wasted on stupid people that knew where they were at & were just too lazy to help themselves.

 

[Colorado Diesel]

they are retards!!!!!! Jones pass is a nice place to 4wheel in the summer time I would NEVER ever take a snowmobile back in there during the winter or even go back there in my truck if there is alot of snow...

 

[densnwbdr]

Hey Backcountry,

Thanks again for the help on Friday! That pig was pretty stuck! If you ever want to ride I would be up! Let me know!

 

[backcountryislife]

they are retards!!!!!! Jones pass is a nice place to 4wheel in the summer time I would NEVER ever take a snowmobile back in there during the winter or even go back there in my truck if there is alot of snow...

SEE, just take diesel's advice & don't ride Jones!!!
that place sucks anyhow.

densnwbdr, no worries, did you get some new tires yet though????
I don't think you're allowed back until you do!!!