Western Mountain Rescue Team

02/27/2026

We are so appreciative of our story being shared. Western Mountain Rescue is always here for anyone who needs our help in the backcountry!

🚨 Meet the next generation of search and rescue heroes! 🚨
From rugged backcountry calls to life-saving missions, Western Mountain Rescue Team — a student-led search and rescue group at Western Colorado University — is redefining what it means to serve and protect in Colorado’s wild places. Learn how these dedicated volunteers balance college life, intense training, and real rescues that save lives. 🏔️💪

👉 Read the full story and see why their training, courage, and commitment matter: https://coloradocountrylife.coop/the-next-generation-of-search-and-rescue/

02/14/2026

Always remember to pick a good one! Your Valentine could end up being your emergency contact!🫀

12/31/2025

Fun Fact: Our reaccreditation with the Mountain Rescue Association is in 2026! We have increased our training load and are working hard to perform at the best of our abilities.

12/22/2025

Ryan White, one of CSAR's program managers, played basketball in high school. Now that he's the director of the Western Mountain Rescue Team and has to balance many important things - risk, performance, teamwork, mission response time, team culture development - he says he embraces the role of coach and mentor, just like on a traditional sports team.

From our family to yours, please consider supporting the Colorado search and rescue community this holiday season.

12/08/2025

11/14/2025

Today we remember Kael, a caring and dedicated member of the Western Mountain Rescue Team who passed away this past week. He spent so much of his life helping others, from the South Metro Fire Rescue to the Western Mountain Rescue Team. His easy smile and quick wit will be missed at training and we’ll carry forward the kindness and dedication he showed every day.

Please direct any donations to this go fund me to support his family.

https://gofund.me/4e780eb48

11/09/2025

A quick glimpse at some of our prizes.
Join the rescue team for our Avalanche Seminar!!!

When and Where: Tuesday, November 11th @ 6pm | University Center Ballroom on WCU campus

A big thank you to all our donation sponsors!

11/05/2025

How do you manage stress?
Today on National Stress Awareness Day, we would like to mention that stress affects everyone  including those who dedicate their time and effort to helping others. 

Our team trains not only to respond to calls, but to be mentally and emotionally prepared for high stake situations, and recognizing the signs of stress is vital to keeping both our team and the public safe. 

WMRT uses the Responder Alliance’s Stress Continuum and 3-3-3 protocols, their website is a great resource for stress and mental health management.

We encourage everyone to take a moment today to check in with yourself and others, and to take some time outside. 

Stay safe, take care of your well-being, and remember: caring for yourself helps you care for others. 

Remember the 10 essentials, and that Search and Rescue is FREE in Colorado, don’t hesitate to call when in need.

11/04/2025

Join the Western Mountain Rescue Team for our 25th Annual Avalanche Seminar⛷️❄️

What: A FREE education night for the community filled with local speakers presenting on a variety of topics relating to the world of snow sports and avalanche awareness. A wide array of prizes will be available in the raffle, with all proceeds going to support Western Mountain Rescue Team’s operations.⛑️

Who: Whether you are a seasoned pro of the snow sports world or just starting out, no experience is required to attend, just an interest in avalanche safety!

When and Where: Tuesday, November 11th @ 6pm | University Center Ballroom on WCU campus

A big thank you to all our donation spons

11/02/2025

On Sunday October 26th, the team responded to call with Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics for an injured Horseback rider in Doctors Park. The team spent nearly 8 hours in the field and wheeled the patient out, returning to town around 11:30pm.

A huge thanks the Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics for all you do.

10/20/2025

Kicking off homecoming weekend in our most rescue appropriate attire! On Friday October 10th, the team gathered on Tenderfoot Mountain to perform our annual event of lighting the W.
In honor of our Reaccreditation this year we brought 4 Alumni members with us to participate in this tradition!
Thanks to all who showed up!

10/06/2025

On Saturday, September 27th, the team rolled out to Hartman rocks recreation area for our annual Ascend & Rappel training. This training is our first major scenario day of the training season, new members ascend Buddha's Belly formation, then rappel down the face, they also complete stations to practice skills such as Anchor building, lowering system operation, and completing a mini scenario that puts it all together. This year's new members show great promise as we hunker down for Hunting season and our reaccreditation in the spring.