The consequences of not communicating in the mountains became abundantly clear on January 22, 2022, when skiers Collin Binko and Michael Martin encountered a lone snowboarder at the base of the Sliver Couloir in Grand Teton National Park. All three had eyes on the same prize, but neither party talked to the other. What happened next has been a frequent topic of conversation in the backcountry community, and a growing concern for many heading into the high alpine.

Leading off Season 6 of The Fine Line, this episode explores this issue head on, with Martin and Binko giving their account of the day. We also hear from alpinist and licensed therapist Ryan Burke about coming onto the scene and the dangerous role ego plays in the mountains. Jessica Baker, an AMGA-certified ski guide who has more than two decades of experience in the Tetons, walks us through the importance of situational awareness and why communication is so crucial for everyone’s safety.

This episode does not seek to expose villains or heroes, but rather to shed light on an important lesson everyone can learn from.

Interviews by Matt Hansen. Editing by Melinda Binks.

Thank you to Roadhouse Brewing Co. for the generous sponsorship of The Fine Line, and to KHOL 89.1 FM for the use of their studio.

42. The Sliver Couloir: The Downfall of Miscommunication

The Fine Line is a podcast that tells real stories of adventure, risk and rescue in the backcountry of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The podcast is produced by Backcountry Zero, a vision of the Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation to reduce fatalities in the backcountry.

Sports

Two bikepackers embark on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, a 2,700-mile journey that traverses the Rockies from the Mexico border all the way to Canada. During their trip, a seemingly little decision comes back to haunt them in a big way, right as their route enters one of the most remote parts of Teton County, Wyoming.


This episode not only reveals the challenges of preparing for such an undertaking, but takes on the headwinds of long-distance cycling and how, during our times of greatest need, we can rely on the kindness of complete strangers.


For more information on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, Bikepacking.com is the authoritative voice on the subject.


Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were conducted in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM.


Thank you to Maggie Slepian and Matt Maar for sharing their story, and to Mike Baum and TCSAR volunteer Ed Fries for lending their perspective to this slow burn of an epic journey.


The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink.

This episode of The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with additional support from Arc'teryx and KHOL.

54. Big Little Decisions: The Long, Weary Road to Mosquito Lake

Season 8 of The Fine Line begins with a story from one of the most recognizable features of the southern Teton range, and a ski line that makes even the bravest skiers buckle their boots a little bit tighter: Cody Peak’s Central Couloir.

On Saturday March 18, 2023, skiers Will Brown and Jacqueline Dickey dropped into Central after hiking out to the top of Cody from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram. What happened next forever changed their relationship to skiing and big, complex mountains.

We also hear from Jackson Hole Ski Patroller Jeff Burke, who helps explain how different responding agencies come together to perform rescues in the JHMR backcountry—and how a pair of skis took the long road to get back to Jacqueline.

If you are looking for mental health support, please visit Mental Health & Recovery Services of Jackson Hole, or dial the national crisis and suicide prevention hotline at 988. As we hear in this episode, mental health is a backcountry safety issue.

Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM.

The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy.

The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with additional support by Roadhouse Brewing Company and KHOL.

53. No Fall Zone: Central Couloir

There aren’t many mountain bike trails in Jackson Hole as classic as the one called Ferrin’s. Built in 2005, the trail is one of the most popular in Jackson due to its challenging terrain, proximity to town, and linkage to other trails. But like any classic trail, it has inherent dangers that can take down even the best riders.

In this episode of The Fine Line, we close out Season 7 with a wild story from August 22, 2022. The conversation goes deep into how a highly experienced mountain biker took a vicious crash on Ferrin's, and how her companion and Teton County Search & Rescue volunteers helped her get home during a torrential rainstorm.

As we conclude this season, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has come on this podcast to share their stories of resilience and survival, and to our generous sponsors Roadhouse Brewing Co. and Stio. 

Special thanks to the musical artists Anne and Pete Sibley and Ben Winship for providing such beautiful sounds to accompany these stories, and to Melinda Binks for her masterful editing and partnership in producing this podcast with host and writer Matt Hansen. Caryn Flanagan is our smooth voice for sponsor readings. All interviews were recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM in downtown Jackson.

And of course, a huge shout out to all the TCSAR volunteers who give so much of themselves to our community to bring people home after an accident in the backcountry. We are all indebted to your service.

We'll be back in your feed with more stories of adventure, risk and rescue for Season 8 in 2024. Learn more at BackcountryZero.com.

52. Classic Rock: A Little Piece of Orange Grip

On March 29, 2023, skier Dave Brown felt a sudden onset of extreme fatigue that was entirely new to him, and terribly serious. At 67 years old, the former ski patroller had never had any previous medical issues. But during a backcountry ski tour near Teton Pass, he knew he needed to get help—and get it fast. 

In this episode of The Fine Line, we’ll hear how Brown and his ski partner made a critical decision that helped save his life. Joining the conversation is Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Keegan Pfeil, who explains how the team responded to this life-threatening emergency in a deep timbered ravine where simply locating Brown was a challenge.

Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were conducted in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM.

Our theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship.

The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero and sponsored by Stio and Roadhouse Brewing Co.

51. Decision Point: No Guarantees for Tomorrow

How far back is far enough from the edge of a cornice? 10 feet, 20 feet, 30? 

On March 5, 2023, Jordan Bluse found out the hard way. He was riding his snowmobile with a group of friends in the Salt River Mountain Range outside of Afton, Wyoming, when a large cornice sheared off below him. He and his snowmobile fell through the cornice and tumbled down 1,200 vertical feet over multiple cliff bands. 

In this episode—our 50th—we’ll hear about Jordan's miraculous survival, while Teton County Search and Rescue’s Ian Johnston explains how a SAR assist plays out in this very remote corner of Wyoming. Thanks to the Star Valley Search & Rescue for the invaluable partnership in helping to bring this rescue to a positive outcome.

Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. Interviews were conducted in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM in downtown Jackson, Wyoming.

Theme song by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero and sponsored by Stio and Roadhouse Brewing Co.

42. The Sliver Couloir: The Downfall of Miscommunication

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