A Note on Search And Rescue

One enters a wilderness environment such as Baxter State Park at one`s own risk. While fortunately uncommon in occurrence, the possibility of injury or death is always there, and one of a leader`s responsibilities is to minimize hazards by good planning and common sense. For instance, parties leaving on day trips should do so at an early enough hour to be back well before dark. Any trip, be it technical climbing, hiking, or skiing, should have a turn "back time" that is honored religiously by all members of the party. Late arrivals may trigger the start of a search and rescue operations which are costly in time, and danger to those particpating.

A rescue effort on the mountain or in more isolated sections of the park will be hours in coming, at best, and may be delayed far longer by bad weather, nightfall or accidents among the rescuers (they are not immune from trouble despite their training). Thus, a party should be prepared for self rescue, if possible, and be equipped for an extended stay in the open in any event.. This is the reason for requiring a minimum of four persons for all activities and for recommending that each pair of mountain day trippers have a sleeping bag, two person bivouac sack, extra clothing, food and water.

Good prior planning and everyday common sense will greatly reduce the inherent dangers one accepts when visiting this remote Park in winter. With these two important considerations guiding your approach, chances are excellent that you will visit Baxter Park in winter safely year after year to enjoy its pleasures and challenges.