Before we fly "onto the ice" in early October from NZ, most of JASART (Kiwi and US search and rescue team) meets during the last week of Sept. to train. We spend 5-6 days working at a very old style (delightfully old style) ski "field" called Broken River and some nearby crags to practice rescue techniques and to develop our skills working as a team. It's a lot of fun, and this season I'll get some photos, including some of the green and orange parrot, the Kia, that lives in the alpine (yes, a parrot in the snow) and investigates anything foodlike or interesting one might leave outside (or open windows even).
During the ice season, remind me to do this! firstname.lastname@usap.gov