Training

Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks holds field and skills training the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a social afterward. If attending a field training, please be prepared to be in the elements for up to two hours (hiking boots, layers, backpack, two headlamps, food/hydration, rain gear, etc.). 

Active members of SARNAK are required to attend six trainings each year. Candidates are required to attend three consecutive training sessions, and have current CPR certification, to be considered for membership.

Training Schedule:

All trainings are held in the Lake Placid – Saranac Lake – Tupper Lake area. For more information on specific training locations, contact the Training Officer at sarnakadk@gmail.com.

2025 Schedule

January 8th – Winter Shelter Building, Private Property, Paul Smiths, NY 12970

February 5th –  Medical Refresh & Teamwork Practice. This training will focus on practicing medical skills while in a challenging winter setting. Scarface Trailhead, 321-295, County Hwy 32, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 (Current Members and Candidates Only).

February 12th – Introduction to Winter Wilderness and Avalanche Environments: Search and Rescue Awareness. Cascade Welcome Center, 4833 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946

March 5th –  Annual Meeting, Cascade Ski Center, Lake Placid, NY

April 2nd – Pack Test: Arduous: 3 miles in 45 minutes with 45 pounds; Moderate: 2 miles in 30 minutes with 25 pounds (Mandatory for New Members and Candidates). Riverside Park, Saranac Lake.

May 2nd – 3rd – Basic Wildlands Search Course. Required for all SARNAK members. Certification does not expire. Paul Smith’s VIC, 8023 NY-30, Paul Smiths NY 12970.

May 7th – Sked Training, Teamwork, Comms Integration. Lake Flower Boat Launch, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.

June 4th – Movement Prep. Little Wolf Pond Campground Beach, 105 Little Wolf Rd, Tupper Lake, NY 12986.

June 7th – Navigation Intensive. Massawepie Scout Camp, Massawepie Rd, Tupper Lake, NY 12986. (Must be approved to attend.)

July 2nd – TBD

August 6th – TBD

September 3rd – TBD

October 1st – Fall Pack Test, Riverside Park, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.

November 5th – TBD

December 3rd – Hypothermia Training

Training Links: