For the MTR Winter Survival outing, we got a crash course in search and rescue and wilderness first aid during the winter (and not the warm California winter), before we went snow camping, snowshoeing in while dragging the extra gear in on sleds. Once at the site, we set up where we would be sleeping that night, cutting bricks out of the snow using a saw and shovel, to build a higher structure with insulation and wind protection. Then we had dinner at a very nice snow and ice table the instructors had dug out. The backrests were actually quite comfortable. That night we divided into groups and began our search and rescue exercise. We were given the last location they were heard from, and had to find and trace their trail. Finally we found him (an instructor) and we had to help with his slight hypothermia and bleeding injury (made of ketchup). The next day we learned how to use a compass to follow different bearings (true and magnetic) to then find hidden flags, and how to use avalanche beacon and a probe to find something, or someone, that is buried. We reviewed different ways to light a fire in the snow, and had 20 minutes to build an emergency shelter and start a fire. Overall it was a great experience, something completely out of the ordinary for me, and lots of fun.
By Ali