Mountain Rescue Aspen Summer Workshop

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Where: Cameron Rescue Center, 37925 Highway 82, Aspen CO 81611
Cost: $15 — lunch included

Join Mountain Rescue Aspen for a full day of hands-on, practical skills training for mountain safety and emergency response.

This workshop is designed for anyone who spends time in the backcountry, including hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, skiers, outdoor professionals, and community members who want to be better prepared when something goes wrong. MRA volunteers and certified instructors will lead skill stations throughout the day, with special guest Dr. Cecilia Sorensen discussing backcountry medical scenarios.

No previous experience is required. Whether you are new to these skills or looking for a refresher, this workshop is a great opportunity to practice, ask questions, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Workshop Sessions

Patient Assessment

Learn systematic primary and secondary survey techniques for wilderness and backcountry environments.

Bleeding Management

Practice life-saving hemorrhage control skills, including tourniquet use, wound packing, and pressure dressings.

CPR Refresh

Review high-quality CPR technique, rescue breathing, and AED familiarization for field responders.

Splinting

Learn field-improvised and commercial splinting techniques for extremity injuries in remote settings.

Basic Intro to Ropes

Get an introduction to knots, anchors, and fundamental rope-handling skills used in mountain rescue operations.

GPS + CalTopo Navigation

Practice navigation using GPS devices and CalTopo for route planning and understanding terrain.

“What’s In My Pack?”

MRA volunteers will walk through their personal kits and the team’s essential gear, including first-aid supplies, navigation tools, and rescue hardware.

Help Us Help You

Learn best practices for communicating with search and rescue, what information is most helpful during an emergency, and what to expect if you ever need assistance in the backcountry.

What to Bring

You do not need to bring any special equipment for the workshop.

Please bring:

A water bottle
Snacks, if you would like them

Lunch is included.

Parking

Parking at the MRA Cabin is extremely limited.

Please plan to bike, take the bus, carpool, or get dropped off if possible. We strongly encourage participants not to rely on parking at MRA, as only a very small number of spaces will be available.

Registration

Registration is available at the door on the day of the workshop, or you may pay online in advance.

Cost: $15 per person, lunch included.

Please note that online payments are non-refundable. If you are unsure whether you will be able to attend, you are welcome to pay at the door.

Support Mountain Rescue Aspen

Mountain Rescue Aspen is a volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our members respond to backcountry emergencies, provide community education, and train year-round to be ready when our community needs help.

Workshops like this are part of our mission to build a safer backcountry community, and they are made possible through community support.

Please consider supporting Mountain Rescue Aspen with a donation.