Reading through some of these threads over the years, I always read how some one has spent the night in the mountains. Well, this year I thought I would pass on some information I learned over the years that could be helpful to a fellow stranded sledder. Let me just say I'm not doing this to insult anyones intelligence, it's just because there seems to be more and more people heading out West to ride and they don't always realize what their in for. I've had the opportunity to attend several government survival schools and have learned a great deal about survival from the Arctic to desert and everything in between, so bear with me. Additionally, if there is anyone else out there with an experience they think could help another sledder please chime in.
First of all, as with any survival situation, keep your head. Alot of times the situation is only as dire as you make it, and armed with the right information you can make a bad situation at least comfortable. Second, have the proper gear. Trust me, I've gone out thinking I don't need all this stuff I'm only going for a short ride and end up thinking I've just put myself in a survival situation.
Shelter;
First thing to do is make sure you have shelter. One of the first things that comes to mind are snow caves. They work great if there is enough snow, if not there are other alternatives. Typically if your in the mountains there are lots of pine trees. Pine trees and pine bows make great shelters. One thing you must do is stay dry, and the best way to do that is get off the snow. By cutting pine bows off trees you have a way of insulating yourself from the snow. Whether your using a snow cave or building a shelter simply lay the pine bows on the snow and lie or sit on top of them. Pines bows work well in making lean to's as well. It's always a good idea to have some type of rope or cord to tie them together. Helps keep the snow off your head as well and also makes a good wind break.
Next is fire. Having a fire is not only needed to keep you warm it is also has a positive phycological affect on a person. I know, I know, some people think that is corny but I'm here to tell you it is absolutely true. Obviously a fire provides light, keeps you warm, provides a way to melt snow so you have drinking water, but it also helps rescue people find you. During the day if you put green pine bows on the fire it creates a great deal of smoke thus helping searchers locate you. At night the effects are obvious. Probably the easiest is to use gas, however there are other ways that are safer. Simply put some vaseline on cotton balls and put in a ziplock bag. Their light, easy, and work GREAT for making fires. Need a lighter or firestarter/striker to light them. There is generally plenty of dry wood to burn. If not, use moss, it works great.
Next; don't leave your sled. Many searchers ask what type of sled was the person riding. As a former search and rescue helicopter guy that is one of the first things we look for. If your not by it or in an open area were people can see you it's like looking for a needle in a hay stack. Make yourself visible.
Last, but certainly the most important is the right gear. Here's my list.
- Space blanket; their light and provide some warmth.
- Cotton balls with vaseline and a butane lighter or the little fire starter packets from Walmart to start fire.
- Knife; obvious multiple uses.
- Saw; you need something to cut firewood and build a shelter. Alot of the survival shovels that everyone carries has a built in saw, however the're not very durable.
-Shovel; to build snowcave
-Compass or GPS; if you have to travel, you will walk in circles if your not familar with the area and don't have one of these tools.
-Rope; will help with building shelter
-High energy food bars; the cold and working to stay alive require alot energy. Now is not the time to start a diet.
-Water or some type of drink; Altitude makes you dehydrated alot quicker and will cause you to become dilerious and disoriented. Conserve sweat not water.
-Extra gloves, knit cap, and socks; It's easy to get wet, and wet clothes rob your body of heat. Start a fire, get out of wet clothes and stay dry.
-Small flashlight, perferably one that has a hand crank to recharge. If not, carry a battery operated one but carry spare batteries.
Obviously I could go on about different situations and other types of things to pack in a survival kit but the thing to remember is be prepared. Don't take for granted it won't happen to you. Like a mention above. If someone else has other suggestions please chime in.
First of all, as with any survival situation, keep your head. Alot of times the situation is only as dire as you make it, and armed with the right information you can make a bad situation at least comfortable. Second, have the proper gear. Trust me, I've gone out thinking I don't need all this stuff I'm only going for a short ride and end up thinking I've just put myself in a survival situation.
Shelter;
First thing to do is make sure you have shelter. One of the first things that comes to mind are snow caves. They work great if there is enough snow, if not there are other alternatives. Typically if your in the mountains there are lots of pine trees. Pine trees and pine bows make great shelters. One thing you must do is stay dry, and the best way to do that is get off the snow. By cutting pine bows off trees you have a way of insulating yourself from the snow. Whether your using a snow cave or building a shelter simply lay the pine bows on the snow and lie or sit on top of them. Pines bows work well in making lean to's as well. It's always a good idea to have some type of rope or cord to tie them together. Helps keep the snow off your head as well and also makes a good wind break.
Next is fire. Having a fire is not only needed to keep you warm it is also has a positive phycological affect on a person. I know, I know, some people think that is corny but I'm here to tell you it is absolutely true. Obviously a fire provides light, keeps you warm, provides a way to melt snow so you have drinking water, but it also helps rescue people find you. During the day if you put green pine bows on the fire it creates a great deal of smoke thus helping searchers locate you. At night the effects are obvious. Probably the easiest is to use gas, however there are other ways that are safer. Simply put some vaseline on cotton balls and put in a ziplock bag. Their light, easy, and work GREAT for making fires. Need a lighter or firestarter/striker to light them. There is generally plenty of dry wood to burn. If not, use moss, it works great.
Next; don't leave your sled. Many searchers ask what type of sled was the person riding. As a former search and rescue helicopter guy that is one of the first things we look for. If your not by it or in an open area were people can see you it's like looking for a needle in a hay stack. Make yourself visible.
Last, but certainly the most important is the right gear. Here's my list.
- Space blanket; their light and provide some warmth.
- Cotton balls with vaseline and a butane lighter or the little fire starter packets from Walmart to start fire.
- Knife; obvious multiple uses.
- Saw; you need something to cut firewood and build a shelter. Alot of the survival shovels that everyone carries has a built in saw, however the're not very durable.
-Shovel; to build snowcave
-Compass or GPS; if you have to travel, you will walk in circles if your not familar with the area and don't have one of these tools.
-Rope; will help with building shelter
-High energy food bars; the cold and working to stay alive require alot energy. Now is not the time to start a diet.
-Water or some type of drink; Altitude makes you dehydrated alot quicker and will cause you to become dilerious and disoriented. Conserve sweat not water.
-Extra gloves, knit cap, and socks; It's easy to get wet, and wet clothes rob your body of heat. Start a fire, get out of wet clothes and stay dry.
-Small flashlight, perferably one that has a hand crank to recharge. If not, carry a battery operated one but carry spare batteries.
Obviously I could go on about different situations and other types of things to pack in a survival kit but the thing to remember is be prepared. Don't take for granted it won't happen to you. Like a mention above. If someone else has other suggestions please chime in.
At this time we could see land marks and started making our way out....shortly after leaving the fire we seen some other family and search and rescue that had unloaded at 4am and came up the trail and waited at the trail head till daylight before going out into the open. 
