At Massif, our commitment to mountain search and rescue (SAR) runs deep. Founded in 1999 by and for rescuers – we set out to provide better, safer gear in a time when SAR-specific rugged FR equipment was nearly unheard of. Just as the legendary Saint Bernard, a breed synonymous with alpine rescue, rose to prominence alongside the early development of mountain rescue, Massif has evolved alongside advancements in SAR technologies and techniques. Our first logo featured this iconic rescue dog – symbolizing the spirit of alpine rescue and celebrating its significance in the storied history of SAR operations.
From Monastery Guardians to Mountain Heroes
These dogs were bred for one purpose: saving lives.
The Saint Bernard gained its historic reputation through service at the travelers’ Hospice at the Great St. Bernard Pass, a refuge situated in a treacherous 50-mile stretch in the Swiss Alps, notorious for avalanches and dangerous conditions. Early records and paintings from the hospice reinforce the breed’s integral role in the foundations of mountain rescue. These records show that they have assisted monks in saving lives since at least the 1600s.
The dogs were bred to be rescuers. With broad chests for navigating deep snow and an exceptional sense of smell crucial in detecting travelers buried by avalanches. These unique traits of size and ability enabled them to locate and guide seasoned alpine monks to stranded pilgrims when time was of the essence. It is estimated that over 2,000 lives have been saved due to their bravery and skill. These dogs truly embody the selfless spirit of mountain rescue, becoming symbols of hope and courage in the face of nature’s challenges.
Saint Bernards in the Public Eye
Beyond their rescue efforts, Saint Bernards have captured the public’s imagination, representing hope and heroism in daunting situations. Figures like Barry the “mansaver,” a famous Swiss dog, who saved between 40 and 100 lives during his twelve years of service at the St. Bernard Hospice. He was known to go out in the worst of winter storms and drag victims from under snow by himself. When he became too weak to continue on alone, he would brave the elements and run back to the monastery to lead rescuers to save those who still remained trapped. His feats inspired books, poems, and a Disney movie establishing the breed as fearless rescuers in popular culture. Barry is memorialized by a monument in Paris, and his body is preserved in the Natural History Museum of Bern, Switzerland, as a symbol of alpine rescue.
Another legendary dog, named Bamse, served on a ship with the Free Norwegian Forces during the second World War where he fearlessly remained standing on deck in a steel helmet even under intense fire. He would not leave their side, and boosted morale among the crew as he was seen among the sailors, refusing to go below deck and abandon the men in combat. Over the course of the war he saved sailors from drowning, defended his crew from armed assailants on shore, and went out to retrieve men on leave in town.
Tales like these contribute to the breed’s image as the quintessential rescue dog and a fearless friend to those in danger. Although no longer the only dogs used for mountain rescue, the breed is celebrated across Europe and beyond for their storied heroism.
Evolution of Rescue Equipment
In the past, a Saint Bernard’s natural abilities were all that stood between stranded travelers and certain danger. Today, modern SAR teams have cutting-edge tools at their disposal like GPS, drones, and specialized rescue gear that complement the extensive training and expertise of the modern SAR professional. However, the core mission remains unchanged: save lives in the most challenging conditions.
At Massif, we work directly with SAR professionals to create gear that meets or exceeds the rigorous demands of the job. Each piece of Massif gear is crafted with durable fabrics and designed to maximize both safety and efficiency, ensuring professionals can perform under extreme pressure and in the most challenging of conditions.
Building on the Past
The Saint Bernards of the Hospice were not trained initially to carry out their missions; they learned their craft in the field through experience, passing on knowledge to each other and refining techniques with each generation. Modern SAR teams continue this tradition, applying decades of hard-won lessons to ever more complex scenarios, such as avalanche rescue and high-altitude heli-borne operations.
Similarly, Massif’s gear undergoes rigorous testing and iterative improvements to ensure that every product meets the high standards of those who depend on it. Just like the Dogs bred to navigate the treacherous snow-laden paths of the Alps, our garments are designed from the ground up to help SAR professionals perform in the most challenging conditions as they work to save lives high in the mountains.
A Life-Saving Legacy
The legacy of the Saint Bernard lives on in our mission at Massif. Their courage, resilience, and service mirror the heart of our ethos. As we design and build our gear, we strive to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that the legacy of these heroic dogs continues through every product we create. Just like the legendary dogs of the St. Bernard Hospice; a Massif garment will never let you down in the mountains.
Find out more about how Massif is committed to your protection at Massif.com
