The Fine Line

On this episode of The Fine Line, a young climber takes listeners through a remarkable journey that led him into one of the most terrifying sections of the Grand Teton. The conversation includes deep insight from Jenny Lake Rangers Mik Shain and Zack Little, who were involved in the dramatic rescue effort. Together, they paint a fascinating picture of the Otterbody Chimney, discuss the many problems they had to solve during the rescue, and explain why it is so important to check in with rangers before attempting a climb—especially if you are new to the Tetons. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music produced by Ben Winship. Original cover art by Jen Reddy. Produced by the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation as part of the Backcountry Zero initiative, The Fine Line uses storytelling to help build awareness for backcountry safety while shedding light on the dedication of first responders. Support for the Jenny Lake Rangers can be done through the Grand Teton National Park Foundation: gtpnf.org. Season 10 of The Fine Line is sponsored by Stio.com, Roadhousebrewery.com, and Rockytalkie.com. Learn more at BackcountryZero.com.

In the Season 10 premiere of The Fine Line, we hear a story about what happens when the euphoria and pure joy of riding powder goes over the edge and into a place you can’t even imagine. This episode features an honest conversation about what it means to pursue a life of riding powder, the deep bonds of friendship formed in the Tetons, and how seemingly small decisions and getting caught up in the momentum of a storm can lead to enormous, life-changing consequences. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy. Season 10 of The Fine Line is sponsored by Roadhousebrewery.com, Rockytalkie.com, and Stio.com. Learn more at BackcountryZero.com.

The Fine Line podcast returns for our 10th Season. Starting on October 1, we will release the first of six new episodes to help you understand the complexity of decision-making and how first responders bring people home after an accident. This season explores the devastating consequences of an avalanche, a dramatic rescue in a very tight spot on the Grand Teton, downhill mountain biking on Teton Pass, a look back at 10 years of The Fine Line, a life-saving rescue in the Wind River Range, and how the backcountry can heal us even after it threatens to take everything away. Huge thanks to RoadhouseBrewery.com, RockyTalkie.com, and Stio.com for supporting this special 10th anniversary of The Fine Line. This musical track was produced by Victor, Idaho-based musician Ben Winship, with original cover art by Jen Reddy. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and find the entire archive at BackcountryZero.com.

In this gripping season finale of Season 9 from The Fine Line, we hear from Jason Dunlop, a Jackson Hole local who’s been going on solo snowmobile missions deep into the Wyoming backcountry for more than 15 years. In March 2025, his string of successful adventures came to a crashing halt, leading to a complicated rescue that revealed many difficult lessons. The episode covers several topics, such as: emergency satellite texting via an iPhone; how and when to call for help; the dangers of complacency; and how SAR missions are never easy, even when they might appear to be on paper. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. This episode is sponsored by Arc’teryx.

If a hunter falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, do they make a sound? Of course they do. They call for help and people come running. On this episode of The Fine Line, we look at at how a hunter happened to trip and fall in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the thickest of timber you can imagine, just as the sun was going down. The response led to an all-night mission from Teton County Search & Rescue. This story features TCSAR Chief Advisor Cody Lockhart, hunters Charlie Short and Jeremy Dietz, and some deep Wyoming wisdom about a rough and tumble rescue in a wild location. Thanks to Roadhousebrewery.com for sponsoring this episode. Interview by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. This story was recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM. The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy Ink. The Fine Line is produced by the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation as part of its Backcountry Zero initiative, which uses education, outreach, and storytelling to help prevent accidents in the backcountry. Learn more at www.BackcountryZero.com.