February 10, 2026February 23, 2026 by SMR Staff

Learning to Lead, and Staying Safe in Winter

Seattle Mountain Rescue Welcomes University Prep

Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR) recently welcomed 15 Upper School students from University Prep (UPrep) for an outreach education visit that connected classroom learning to real-world winter travel, leadership, and safety in the mountains.

An Intensive Snow School Experience

This year’s cohort enrolled in UPrep’s Intensive Snow School, participate with a program designed to build strong foundations in outdoor leadership and risk awareness. As part of the course, all students will complete an AIARE 1 Avalanche Course as well as spend multiple days at Mount Baker with a Pro Guide, where they’ll deepen their understanding of avalanche awareness, decision-making in winter terrain, and the responsibilities that come with recreating in snow-covered mountains and environments.

The visit to SMR offered a local, community-centered perspective—showing students how education, preparation, and teamwork extend beyond the classroom and into the broader outdoor ecosystem.

Getting to Know Seattle Mountain Rescue

During their visit, students received a brief introduction to SMR—who we are, what we do, and how we support the outdoor community across Washington. Volunteers shared how SMR partners with local sheriffs’ offices and other search and rescue (SAR) teams to respond when people need help in the backcountry.

Students were especially excited to explore the rescue truck, learn how equipment is organized for rapid response, and see how technology, such as drones, is helping bring everyone home from the backcountry faster than ever before. They also had the chance to meet Ruffles, SMR’s crisis response canine, whose calm presence and specialized training sparked plenty of curiosity and smiles.

Building the Next Generation of Outdoor Leaders

SMR is grateful for opportunities like this to connect with students who are actively learning how to head out on a hike, recreate responsibly and lead with awareness in winter environments. Programs like UPrep’s Intensive Snow School help cultivate thoughtful decision-makers—people who understand not only how to enjoy the mountains, but how to care for themselves, their partners, and the broader outdoor community.

We wish the UPrep snow school students a safe, inspiring experience at Mount Baker and beyond, and we’re proud to be part of their journey into winter leadership.

Seattle Mountain Rescue is an independent 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization under “Mountain Rescue Council” with EIN 91-6049880. We are run by dedicated, highly trained volunteers that respond under the authority of the King County Sheriff’s Office and collaborates with other units through our association memberships with KCSARA and MRA. SMR’s rescue services are provided free of charge, made possible by community support and donors like you.