RCMP report skiers safe after spending night in backcountry near Whitewater Ski Resort
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson RCMP report a couple are safe following an unexpected overnight stay in the backcountry near the Whitewater Ski Resort south of Nelson.
RCMP received the call at 8:22 p.m. Saturday that two skiers were reported missing following a trek into the Evening Ridge/Hummingbird Pass near the resort.
Nelson Search and Rescue was called out to conduct roving patrols of the area and sent members into the back country to search for the two skiers.
A helicopter was also ready to take off at first light Sunday to continue the search.
However, before searchers began Sunday’s search the two skiers, a 28-year-old male and 22-year-old female, walked out of the back country around 6:30 a.m.
The pair reported taking a wrong turn and when they realized their mistake they re-traced their tracks, stopping when needed to rest and warm up.
Weather in the area was clear and cold, with the temperature dipping to a low of minus-5 Celsius.
The Nelson RCMP would like to remind anyone going into the back country to please be sure to dress for the conditions, pack extra supplies, and check the current avalanche conditions before heading out and prepare a trip plan letting family or friends know the route, start and expected return times.
Saturday’s incident at Whitewater is the third time SAR volunteers have been involved in searches in the West Kootenay.
Friday (January 3) two Boy Scouts from Washington State were rescued by helicopter after spending the night in the backcountry near Red Mountain in Rossland.
The pair were reported missing at 4 p.m. Thursday by Red Mountain Resort.
On (Monday) December 30, 10 skiers were airlifted from Grey Mountain near Rossland after spending the night in the backcountry.
The group were reported missing at 5 p.m. by Red Mountain staff when they failed to check in.
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