The Fine Line Podcast

The Fine Line Podcast | Season 8

Produced by Backcountry Zero, this podcast is a project of the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries in the Tetons.

The Fine Line tells stories of adventure, risk and rescue in the backcountry of Jackson Hole as Teton County Search & Rescue volunteers have conversations with the individuals they rescued. Stories from the mountain life featuring adventure, risk assessment, and consequence—so that we can all come home safely at the end of the day.

Season 8 Episode 1

No Fall Zone: Central Couloir

Season 8 of The Fine Line begins with a story from one of the most recognizable features of the southern Teton range, and a ski line that makes even the bravest skiers buckle their boots a little bit tighter: Cody Peak’s Central Couloir.

On Saturday, March 18, 2023, skiers Will Brown and Jacqueline Dickey dropped into Central after hiking out to the top of Cody from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram. What happened next forever changed their relationship to skiing and big, complex mountains.

We also hear from Jackson Hole Ski Patroller Jeff Burke, who helps explain how different responding agencies come together to perform rescues in the JHMR backcountry—and how a pair of skis took the long road to get back to Jacqueline.

Season 8 Episode 2

Big Little Decisions: The Long, Weary Road to Mosquito Lake

Two bikepackers embark on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, a 2,700-mile journey that traverses the Rockies from the Mexico border all the way to Canada. During their trip, a seemingly little decision comes back to haunt them in a big way, right as their route enters one of the most remote parts of Teton County, Wyoming.
This episode not only reveals the challenges of preparing for such an undertaking, but takes on the headwinds of long-distance cycling and how, during our times of great need, we can rely on the kindness of complete strangers.

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Season 8 Episode 3

The Fine Line Short: A Whistle In The Dark

Even before she became a volunteer with Teton County Search & Rescue 24 years ago, Carol Viau had already seen more than most. As a skier and climber, she had spent seasons in Jackson, Chamonix and Alaska. In this short story, Carol, as one of the longest tenured members on TCSAR, describes the lessons she learned from her very first rescue with the team, on October 26, 2000.

Season 8, Episode 4

To Ride or Not to Ride: The Phillip’s Log Strikes Again

As a bike trail, Phillip’s Canyon is known as one of the faster and techier descents in Jackson Hole. But a feature that might just sneak up on you is the second of two log bridges. As it did to Rick Gordon on August 8, 2023. Riding solo, Rick attempted to ride over the log but instead crashed off the log and into the adjacent creekbed. Severely injured and with minimal cell service, he hoped TCSAR would receive his emergency alert from BackcountrySOS.

Learn More about The Fine Line and stream wherever you listen to your podcasts and follow along as The Fine Line releases episodes throughout the summer.