Routt County Search and Rescue is gearing up for the winter season with new equipment after receiving multiple donations, according to Search and Rescue President Bobby Carlton.

Last month, the organization was awarded $6,000 through the Yampa Valley Community Foundation’s IMPACT100 program, followed by $2,500 from the Steamboat Ski Town Lions Club.

With the funds, Carlton said Routt County Search and Rescue is purchasing a new Outlander 100 ATV with a track system and a titanium rescue litter with a carbon wheel and a skid, which is used to transport people out of the backcountry.

“The skid itself makes it easier for us to get someone out of the backcountry if we can’t get a snowmobile or a side-by-side to them,” said Carlton. “That’s going to make our rescuers’ jobs a whole lot easier during the wintertime.”

The rescue litter and wheel — which is a lightweight stretcher complete with a large wheel for transportation — will be used on a new truck that the agency anticipates purchasing in 2026.

The rescue truck will be purchased with donations from the community, which will replace a 1999 F-350 with a manual transmission.

“It will do about 35 (mph) up Rabbit Ears,” said Carlton. “We try to replace our equipment on a schedule, and this one is overdue.”

Of Routt County Search and Rescue’s annual budget, around 65% of funding comes from donations. The remaining funding portion comes from grants.

Looking toward the winter season after a busy first 10 months of the year, Carlton said that based on past data, he expects most rescue calls will come from snowmobilers. Routt County Search and Rescue primarily uses snowmobiles on its winter missions.

Carlton voiced his appreciation for community donations and support for Routt County Search and Rescue.

“The focus for us is the well-being of our subjects and recognizing the efforts of the volunteers that we have that go out and risk themselves to help others in need,” he said.

To learn more about Routt County Search and Rescue, visit RouttCountySAR.org.