Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue is getting ready to host the 2018 Mountain Rescue Association Spring Conference this week in Nordegg.

The Mountain Rescue Association is an international organization made up of mountain search and rescue teams from around the world.

Although they mainly come from Canada and the US, they also have people coming from Australia, New Zealand and Spain this year who will going over different mountain rescue tactics from around the world.

President of the Rocky Search and Rescue Edward van Heeren says this is a great opportunity for them to learn any new tips or techniques from their colleagues around the world.

“Some of the new techniques with the newer rescue belay devices and set-ups for how we go down to rescue people with rope configurations, stuff like that.”

Heeren says while they learn new ways to rescue stranded citizens across Alberta, there are a few easy ways you can help protect yourself when you head out into the back country, starting with letting friends and family know your plans.

“Leaving a note in your vehicle with what your plans are for the day, so if your vehicle is left there for an extended period of the day and somebody finds it, they can know there is an issue going on if you should have come back by then.”

Last year Rocky Search and Rescue were called out 26 times.

So far this year they've only responded to two calls, but from now until Labour Day weekend is normally their busiest season.

Pre-conference programs start Wednesday morning (June 6th), with the annual general meeting being held on Sunday at the Goldeye Centre in Nordegg.