Backcountry Rescue Teams Train in Extreme Cold During Bolton Valley Winter Exercise
Photo by Courtesy of Hinesburg Fire DepartmentMembers of participating rescue teams gather in snowy terrain during the cold-weather training exercise at Bolton Valley.
Photo by Courtesy of Hinesburg Fire DepartmentParticipants practice fire-starting techniques and sheltering skills in subzero conditions.
Photo by Courtesy of Hinesburg Fire DepartmentRescue teams stage equipment and simulate backcountry operations in a wooded training area.
Photo by Courtesy of Hinesburg Fire DepartmentGroup photo of multiple agencies following the joint winter survival training session.
February 11, 2026 — Members of the Hinesburg Fire Department’s newly formed Backcountry Team joined several regional rescue organizations for a winter survival training exercise at Bolton Valley, where temperatures dropped to -8°F without windchill. Hosted by the Bolton Valley Ski Patrol, the training brought together responders from multiple agencies, including Huntington Backcountry Rescue and the Camel’s Hump Backcountry Rescue Team, to sharpen critical survival skills in harsh winter conditions. Participants focused on sheltering, fire starting, and operating effectively in extreme cold—skills essential for both rescuers and patients when emergencies occur in remote areas. The hands-on training reinforced the importance of preparation, as many of the same members later responded to a real rescue on Camel’s Hump involving two individuals in serious distress. Officials emphasized that such training ensures readiness for unpredictable backcountry incidents while also encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to follow preparedness guidelines, including carrying essential gear.
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