New Video Series Promotes Backcountry Safety While Showcasing Colorado’s Destinations
The Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR) is proud to announce the launch of “Trailblazers and Lifesavers”, a new video series designed to promote backcountry recreation while delivering essential safety messages. Created in partnership with Plugged In Productions and several backcountry search and rescue teams across the state, this series highlights the thrill of Colorado’s outdoor activities, while underscoring the importance of preparedness and responsible behavior.
The inspiration for this project stems from a personal experience. In 2019, the Alpine Rescue Team (ART) was called to search for a missing man on Kelso Ridge, a seasoned climber. After a four-day search involving 20 volunteer rescuers, a Flight For Life helicopter, and a National Guard helicopter, his body was recovered. His grieving son, Brian Chambliss of Plugged In Productions, expected to receive a hefty bill, especially given the helicopter resources. To his surprise, he learned that ART’s services—and all backcountry search and rescue services in Colorado—are provided free of charge. Grateful and inspired, Brian has since volunteered his professional services to support the Colorado backcountry search and rescue community, first with ART and now with CSAR.
The first four videos in the “Trailblazers and Lifesavers” series are complete and will be released throughout 2025. These include:
- Backcountry skiing on Vail Pass with Summit County Rescue Group (released in January)
- Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River’s “Milk Run” with Chaffee County Search and Rescue North
- Hiking the Piedra River and Ice Caves Rim trails in Pagosa Springs with Upper San Juan Search and Rescue
- Climbing the Third Flatiron in Boulder with Rocky Mountain Rescue Group
Each video showcases the natural beauty and excitement of these activities, while gradually introducing key safety messages. This format ensures that viewers are inspired by the destination and the adventure before being guided through the essential steps for participating safely.
At the heart of “Trailblazers and Lifesavers” is the understanding that responsible stewardship is more than just preserving natural resources by addressing overcrowding and littering. It also ensures the safety of backcountry recreationists and safeguards the critical volunteer services provided by local teams. As part of the CTO’s Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan, safety is a priority to ensure that visitors enjoy their outdoor experiences while minimizing risks and reducing strain on local responders.
With the initial phase of the video series complete, CSAR looks forward to expanding the project and highlighting even more of Colorado’s stunning locations and activities. Upcoming videos include:
- Snowmobiling in Steamboat Springs with Routt County Search and Rescue
- Climbing “beginner” 14ers with Chaffee County SAR South or Alpine Rescue Team
- ATV riding with Hinsdale or Garfield County SAR
- Hunting in Grand County with Grand County SAR
And many more outdoor adventures with various SAR teams across Colorado. Watch the “Trailblazers and Lifesavers” trailer here.
This video series represents a vital step forward in promoting safe and responsible backcountry recreation in Colorado. If you are a tourism partner interested in supporting this initiative or would like to learn more about how you can get involved, please reach out to CSAR at [email protected].
