GRAND TARGHEE AVALANCHE DOGS
Who We Are
Grand Targhee Avalanche Dogs (GTK9) is a dedicated 501c(3) nonprofit organization formed by Grand Targhee Ski Patrol in 1993. The team is made up of highly skilled ski patrol handlers and their avalanche search and rescue dogs, both certified (validated) and in-training. With a fairly large team, there are always handlers and dogs working at every level…puppies in training, dogs ready for validation, and advanced validated teams training to pursue greater challenges …allowing GTK9 to operate at the highest level while securing the future of the organization by continuously priming the next generation of dogs.
What We Do
The GTK9 program is in place to ensure Grand Targhee Resort safety and emergency response through expert training and rapid deployment. Their dogs are adopted as puppies, fully owned and cared for by their handlers, and trained from an early age for search work. Since its inception, GTK9 has worked with organizations such as the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA), Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD), National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA), and Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) to train, validate, and assure their dogs are ready for service. In addition to working at Grand Targhee, GTK9 serves as an important resource in the greater region for search and rescue (SAR) response. While their dogs work primarily at the resort, their team’s skills and qualifications allow them to be called upon whenever and wherever the need arises.
Getting Involved
Your Donation Helps
How We Fund Our Program
GTK9 is a non-profit organization that operates entirely on money raised through fundraising, which includes seasonal events, merchandise sales, grants, and generous donations from our community. With the support from Grand Targhee Resort and donors both local and afar, as well as our semi-annual fundraising efforts and SWAG sales, we are able to provide essential training, equipment, and care for our canine teams, ensuring they are always ready to respond to emergencies. All donations, big or small, make a HUGE difference for our team. We also sell our GTK9 merchandise at Habitat at GTR, for those interested in sporting some fun dog apparel or hats. We also have periodic meet and greet events throughout the valley, where we bring the dogs to meet our beloved and supportive community to share snuggles, stories, and good SWAG.
Making a Donation
We have a year-round site hosted by betterworld.org (link provided below) that we are able to receive donations at any time. In addition to that, we have two major fundraiser events during the year that continue to provide a substantial amount of support: our annual GTK9 Powder Pig fundraiser that we host during the winter (stay tuned each winter for venue and date, auction and raffle info as always will be posted on our betterworld.org site) and the annual summer Tin Cup Challenge through the Community Foundation of Teton Valley (see link below for more information). The Tin Cup Challenge happens every summer, and we tremendously appreciate all our donations through that giving period…more info in the link below.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
GTK9 Avalanche Dogs is a dedicated 501 c(3) nonprofit organization formed by Grand Targhee Ski Patrol in 1993 with their skilled avalanche search and rescue dogs. Our mission is to ensure safety in avalanche-prone areas through expert training and rapid deployment. With the support of Grand Targhee Resort and generous donors, we provide essential training, equipment, and care for our canine heroes, ensuring they are always ready to respond to emergencies.
Find Out More
Inquire about local events, ask questions about our operations at Grand Targhee Resort, or simply get more information for how to donate to our cause. We would love to have your support!
Upcoming Events
Local Events Coming Soon!!
Check back for upcoming GTK9 event dates
Meet Us at Grand Targhee Resort
Sundays @ 1pm at the top of the Sacajawea Lift during winter operations (once snowpack allows, usually starting mid- to late-December)