VSAR Members in Traiuning doing their GSAR course in the mountains over the weekend (image courtesy of VSAR / Facebook)

By Liam Verster

Search & Rescue Training

VSAR members wrap up special mountain training

Jan 22, 2026 | 6:00 AM

Vernon Search and Rescue’s (VSAR) Members in Training had a cold, wet weekend as they wrapped up a key training program.

VSAR said in a social media post that the trainees (MITs) went into the mountains above Vernon for the final chapter of their Ground Search and Rescue course (GSAR),

“MITs put their skills to work using what they carry in their 24-hour packs. Navigation with a compass (no electronics here), radio comms, rope and knot work, shelter building, fire starting, and culminating the weekend off with a proper signal fire,” VSAR said in its post.

“Their biggest task? Build a shelter, build a fire, and keep it going all night. In winter. With wet wood. And very little sleep. Did I mention wet wood?

“Night temps dipped to around -8°C, snow was deep enough for plenty of post-holing, and fires took some creativity (and a few wishful thoughts about better fire starter). Lessons learned.”

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Despite these tough conditions, the MITs managed to work together, accomplish all their tasks, and complete the final phase of the 100-hour GSAR course.