The International Commission for Alpine Rescue drew more than 600 emergency responders to its annual convention in Jackson this week, an event that featured four rescue airships assembled for a “helicopter happy hour” at the base of Snow King Mountain.

Among the fleet was Teton County Search and Rescue’s H125 customized Airbus helicopter, which is hangered in town and available for emergencies year-round. A nine-month fundraising campaign raised $7.5 million for the aircraft, which arrived in 2023 and became the property of the Teton County Sheriff’s Department.

The county’s rescue organization is multi-faceted. Pilot Steve Wilson is employed by the sheriff’s office. The TCSAR Foundation, which raised money for the helicopter, has six employees. About 40 volunteers make up the heart of a rescue team that is skilled in many aspects of wilderness emergencies including swiftwater and cave rescues, lost-person searches, avalanche responses and high-angle extrications.

Teton County SAR helicopter pilot Steve Wilson shows Dalena O’Connor, four, the inside of his rescue chopper on Oct. 9, 2025 during an international convention of alpine rescue organizations in Jackson. (Angus M. Thuermer Jr./WyoFile)

Possessing its own chopper enabled Teton County to dodge the hassle and uncertainty of contracting for a rescue helicopter seasonally as it did in years past. It allows the team to train regularly and launch rescue missions with little notice in and around the region.

Founded in Switzerland in 1948, ICAR has held its annual congress in the U.S. only once before. The independent, worldwide organization has 85 member organizations in 34 countries. Its main goal is to improve mountain rescue services and safety.

“It’s pretty cool to see the whole world together” said Cody Lockhart, Teton County SAR’s chief advisor, as he surveyed the helicopter display Thursday afternoon. A 15-year volunteer with the organization, he saw representatives from 25 countries converge on his hometown.

During the “helicopter happy hour” dozens of visitors, including school children, got to view the whirlybirds and even climb inside.

The convention in Jackson ran for four days and featured an array of lectures, drills and demonstrations covering everything from helicopters to drones and search dogs.

Angus M. Thuermer Jr. is the natural resources reporter for WyoFile. He is a veteran Wyoming reporter and editor with more than 35 years experience in Wyoming. Contact him at angus@wyofile.com or (307)...

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