Western Mountain Rescue Team

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Gunnison, CO
Western Mountain Rescue Team

WMRT is the only team in the nation accredited by the MRA whose majority membership is university students. This page is NOT monitored for emergencies.

The Western Mountain Rescue Team was first accredited by the Mountain Rescue Association in 1987 and has since remained the only collegiate-based team in the MRA. WMRT works with local and state law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire crews, the National Parks Service, National Guard, and other search and rescue organizations to provide exemplary mountain rescue services to the Gunnison Valley.

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.

10/04/2025

1 week remaining to enter our ticketed give away for the lighting of the W!
It is $5 to enter and we will take 4 (four) Western Alum up with us. Link is in our bio.
Hope to see you there!

09/25/2025

On Friday September 19th, the team was paged at 9:30 for a hunter approximately 5 miles up Mill Creek trail reporting chest pain. The team hiked up with Gunnison Paramedics and was able to assist the hunter on foot down to the trailhead. The team made it back to town around 5:30 am on Saturday September 20th.

We would like to extend our appreciation to Gunnison Paramedics for their work on this mission.

We know a long day for us means an equally long day for you! Search and Rescue services are FREE in Colorado, so never hesitate to call us if you find yourself in a predicament in the backcountry. We will always be there to help!

WMRT relies heavily on donations from our community to support our operations, and days like these require more support to keep our team going! Please consider donating to support our mission and keep the backcountry safe for all! Link to donate is in our bio.

09/08/2025

Our first training this year is tonight, please meet at the Cache at 6:00pm (1800) ready to learn. We look forward to meeting all of our new members and the coming year.

08/30/2025

The Western Mountain Rescue Team was formed in 1968 and has been Mountain Rescue Association accredited since 1987. In honor of our Reaccreditation year, WMRT is offering a Ticketed Giveaway to Western Alumni to join the team during our Homecoming tradition of lighting the W. There are 4 (four) spots available and every $5 donated gets you an entry into the giveaway, winners will accompany WMRT to the face of W Mountain to light the collegiate letter. If you get a spot you will receive an Email and a phone call from Western Mountain Rescue.

If you receive a spot, it will be appreciated if you find a fun costume, the whole team dresses up every year. Meet the team at the MountIan Rescue Cache at 4pm ready to go, and sign a Western Mountain Rescue Team Assumption of Risk/Waiver of liability form.

Please reach out to Riley LeHane with any questions or concerns. President@westernmountainrescue.org.
Ticketed Giveaway link can be found below.

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=e0e2f90b-1d0d-40c7-ba32-3309686ff5d3&envid=p-CjHGzaR0jUqqUQfbiHJ1ow&zone=usa

08/25/2025

On Saturday August 16th, 2025, the team was called out to a UTV rollover up Timberline trail, the team assisted the reporting party in walking out safely. The team was deployed for a second mission and were stood down. We would like to thank Aspen Mountain Rescue, and Flight for Life for coordinating with us on the second mission.

Address

1 Western Way, MFH 175
Gunnison, CO
81230

Telephone

+19706411113

Website

http://westernmountainrescue.org/

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