Four snowboaders survive night in backcountry near Whitewater Ski Resort
By Nelson Daily Staff
Four snowboarders survived a chilly night in the backcountry near Whitewater Ski Resort after becoming disorientated while boarding Saturday (January 6).
Nelson RCMP received the call just after midnight Sunday that the quartet were overdue from a planned day trip on Evening Ridge near Whitewater Ski Resort.
“It was confirmed the four overdue snowboarders, one Ymir resident and three Alberta residents, were not well equipped for overnight or extended nights in the back country,” the RCMP said in a written release.
Nelson Search and Rescue was quickly activated through the Provincial Emergency Program and began a ground search at first light Sunday.
Poor visibility and low cloud cover prevented assistance from High Terrain helicopters to conduct an air search.
After teams searched the area for approximately three hours, one of the missing boarders hitched a ride to retrieve his car in the Whitewater Resort parking lot — site of the Command Center for Search and Rescue.
During conversation with Search and Rescue officials, it was determined that all the missing were in good shape after spending the night outside and did not require medical attention.
“It appears due to heavy snowfall, low cloud and lack of day light the party got disorientated and ended up following a drainage out of the area which lead them down to the highway,” the RCMP said.
RCMP want to remind backcountry enthusiasts to leave accurate details — destination, route in, out and estimated time of arrival out of the mountains — with someone responsible before departing.
“It is very important to be prepared for spending the night out in the event of bad weather conditions or getting lost,” the RCMP said.
“Having proper survival gear, experience, food and locating or communication devices are essential for survival and being recovered.”
Temperature in the backcountry around Whitewater Ski Resort was estimated at between minus 7-10 C.
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