Our Story
Behind the Scenes
Bristlecone Avalanche Rescue K9s (B.A.R.K.) is a 501 c(3) that was formed in 2016 to purchase, train, and support working or retired, avalanche rescue dogs in the Spring Mountains of Nevada. The foundation was modeled from the avalanche dog program at Mammoth Ski Area. B.A.R.K. has relocated to Colorado and is currently based out of Purgatory Resort with dogs Lida, Carson, and new pup Ember.
B.A.R.K. sells various items such as sweatshirts, ball caps, pint glasses, challenge coins, and stickers with all proceeds going to the dog program and the handlers. Generally, the items are sold from the ski patrol facilities with patrollers, and a dog, staffing the booth. Transactions can be done by either cash or card. Increasing public avalanche awareness is also a goal of having the booth staffed with the handler and dog team. Since B.A.R.K is a nonprofit foundation, individuals and companies can make tax-deductible donations to the dogs.
The money is used to purchase the pups, then provide veterinary care, food, working harness, and tuition for avalanche rescue schools as much as possible. To fund a dog from puppyhood to full certification is about $10,000, and can often be more. It usually takes about two years to achieve full certification, then annually recertification must occur. The testing includes both the dog and the handler.
Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD) is the industry recognized certifying body in the state. C-RAD offers a week-long fall training including helicopter lift tickets for the team in Summit County. Then, the winter training is usually four days at a Summit County ski area. Certification requires the dog and handler to travel to an unfamiliar ski area with a C-Rad examiner for two days of testing. Many dogs, and handlers, do not pass their first attempt at the test. The Avalanche Rescue Certification is a journey, not a goal, as the team must strive for continual improvement.
Locally, the dogs are deployed from the ski area by helicopter when requested by a county Search and Rescue group. Ski patrollers who are SAR members can be trained to fill the role of technician and assist the handler/dog team. C-RAD has used this deployment model in Summit County with a partnership between the sheriff's office and ski areas to provide rapid rescue and resuscitation for victims of avalanche burial. The program has been very successful and has been given high marks by all of the dogs……and people involved.