If you could make a list of equipment on the mountain that you take for granted, what would make it? You know, the stuff you don’t really think about until it’s missing, or until you truly, truly need it? Would the rescue toboggan make that list?
The rescue toboggan is, much like a stretcher, ambulance, or just rescue personal in general (when they’re working), not something most people hope to interact with. If you’re getting on the mountain thinking, “man, I hope I get to take a ride on the rescue toboggan”, something is either a bit off in your head or you’re a child who’s just seen one for the first time. But they’re an essential piece to the functions of a ski resort. Without them, on-resort rescues would likely be an entirely different story.
Rescue toboggans in the United States primarily come from one of two companies, Cascade Rescue and Edge Rescue. Cascade Rescue has been around for over 50 years, providing toboggans to teams around the world. Their most popular sled, “The Legend”, is something you’ve likely seen at many resort in the past. Several other models offer the right materials needed for a multitude of on-mountain rescues.
“The Legend”, or the Cascade Toboggan Model 100, comes with 30 or 50 inch fins, a non-skid interior, and stainless handles and locks. It’s built with heavy duty 6061 aluminum top edging and an internal stainless steel perimeter frame. Its base price costs resorts ~$1,650 before any discounts or deals.
Edge Rescue, now based at the bottom of Mount Hood, was originally designed by James Van Nostrand, a canoe and kayak designer out of Canada. Today, Edge offers several different models, including the basic Edge Rescue Toboggan, a heavy-duty model, a lightweight model designed for hike-to/hike-out terrain, and a special “Ice-Coast” model.
The basic EDGE Rescue Toboggan uses the same early-rise technology found in a rocker ski. Polyethylene runners and a concave belly allow the sled to rip through any snow conditions, and a mix of fiberglass and Kevlar allow for a lightweight yet durable sled (the “ice-coast” model features longer skegs for better control in icy conditions). The EDGE starts right around $1,695.
Altogether, these toboggans have been designed specifically for quick and safe rescues, so you know that, in unfortunate case that you get hurt on the mountain, help can pretty easily be on its way.
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Image Credit: Edge Rescue via Instagram