Meet Dezi, Utah's Newest Avalanche Rescue Dog in Training

Dezi's cuteness has been aptly noted, but she will need to undergo a series of training and certifications before she can officially become part of Solitude's Ski Patrol team.

Namely, Dezi will need to pass Wasatch Backcountry Rescue's (WBR) Level A readiness test, according to Solitude. WBR's Level A test is the highest level of certification for an avalanche rescue dog and handler. To certify, the dog and handler duo are tasked with locating buried skiers in a simulated scenario at a ski area away from home. The team must locate anywhere from 1-3 skiers in less than 20 minutes to pass.

Dezi has her work cutout, but the program requires that dogs must be at least 18 months old to certify. Plenty of time to work, train, and play in the snow before then.

According to a blog post by Solitude Mountain Resort President and COO Amber Broadaway in December of 2024, the resort currently has three working avalanche rescue dogs: Lumen, Honeybee, and Joani.

Nala, another dog in training, is a bit further along in the process than Dezi. Solitude also has Rio, a retired avalanche rescue dog that now roams the resort's offices in search of treats and table scraps.

All of us here at POWDER are wishing Dezi the best in her Avalanche Rescue training endeavors. Good girl Dezi, good girl!