We are fortunate at Fernie Alpine Resort to have a very talented and skilled professional Ski Patrol. In addition to this crew is the incredible team and amazingly talented crew of avalanche rescue dogs! Meet the dog team. For more on the Fernie Ski Patrol check out the documentary Triggered.

Neko
(ski patrol assistant – Steve)
Another one of our veteran avalanche rescue dogs, Neko – now 5 years old, has taken part in several rescues.  Working closely with his human assistant Steve, they have over 35 years of combined search & rescue and ski patrol experience.

Neko is an extremely friendly and personable dog, here he is (below) teaching us about his job during our Avalanche Awareness Days, held annually each January (and getting in a photo bomb while he’s at it).

Tarn
(ski patrol assistant – Forest)
Like many avalanche dogs, Tarn started training to be able to find people in an avalanche situation at just 8 weeks old.  Now 6 years old (turning 7 in January 2016) him and his human assistant Forest are daily companions.  They ride the lift together in the morning, (occasionally mixing it up with a snowmobile instead) and ski down to the base at the end of the day.  On a usual day at work for Tarn, there’s time for a little bit of play at the patrol shack at the top of the mountain although he’s always ready for a rescue mission if need be.

avalanche dog rides the chairlift at Fernie ALpine Resort

Mogul  & Tabor                 
Mogul is a one and a half year old German shepherd (left) he’s in training to become an avalanche rescue dog and has his exam this January on Whistler.  His human assistant, Megan Kelly, has been a ski patroller for nine years at Fernie.  When not training, Mogul loves playing with his favourite toy a ball on a rope. You can see him and Megan from Wednesday’s to Friday’s at the top of the mountain practicing his obedience and having lots of fun!  Tabor and his human assistant Sean (right) are training for his exam, coming up soon.  This will be Tabor’s first winter season at Fernie Alpine Resort – welcome to the team Tabor!  Tabor fun fact – him and Neko are half brothers!