Snowmobilers learn backcountry survival basics

On Wednesday morning local snowmobiler John Antaki bought a new avalanche probe, a headlamp and a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit.

Antaki, who said he's been snowmobiling for a decade, never thought of carrying such items while riding in Tahoe's backcountry until he attended Tuesday night's monthly meeting of the North Tahoe Snow Travelers.

"It was a sobering presentation," said Antaki, who was one of 20 club members who took part in a presentation by Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue team members T.J. Johnson and Lance Frauteschi.

"You have to be able to take care of yourself," Antaki said. "I never realized it before, but rescue crews might not be able to get to you for hours and unless you're prepared for the worst, you might not make it."

Incline resident Wayne Fischer, president of the North Tahoe Snow Travelers, said the meeting was the best one he has been to in his three years with the club.

"I'm going to modify my survival kit after this," Fischer said at the end of the presentation. "We all ride in the backcountry and you have to be prepared for anything."

Presenters Johnson and Frauteschi gave the club possible scenarios and a list of survival gear every snowmobiler should carry while traveling in the backcountry.

"You can have all the gear in the world but without common sense it doesn't mean a thing," said Frauteschi, a volunteer for Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue. "You have to be able to take care of yourself for at least an hour and the basics go a long way when you're faced with an emergency situation."

The pair also stressed trip planning.

"Let people know where you are going and when you expect to be back," said Johnson. "If no one knows your lost or hurt no one will come looking for you."

Frauteschi said staying warm and calm is critical during any winter survival situation.

"Decreasing the cold factor is extremely important," he said. "Taking 10 minutes to calm down, remove wet clothing and build a fire can make all the difference in the world."

Heath Spencer, club member and owner of Full Throttle Snowmobile Rentals in Kings Beach, said knowing the basics is the key to staying safe while riding around the Tahoe basin.

"It all comes down to planning and communication," he said. "Having the right gear and knowing how to use it is great, but knowing where you are, how to build a fire and stay warm is what really matters."

For more information on snowmobile safety check online at www.tahoesnowmobiling.org