RCMP confirm two skiers okay after overnight stay in backcountry
By Nelson Daily Staff
Two skiers who spent Sunday night in the backcountry near Ymir Peak have been found RCMP Sargent Darryl Little of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Detachment said in a press release Monday.
“This morning, February 25, as the search was underway the two skiers managed to ski out safely,” Little said in a release.
“The two people were not equipped to spend the night nor did they have proper avalanche equipment.”
RCMP received the call at approximately 7 p.m. Sunday the two skiers had not returned home from a day skiing in the backcountry.
The skiers, a 37-year-old father and son, 15, had planned to hike up to Ymir Peak before skiing down the backside of the mountain.
The wife and mother of the skiers became concerned when they failed to return home by dinnertime.
RCMP immediately contacted Nelson Search and Rescue.
However, darkness scuttled the search for the pair until first light.
“The avalanche conditions were considered high in the alpine area causing additional concern for their and the rescuers safety, as several minor avalanches had been reported earlier that day,” Little said.
Little said the pair said they became disoriented due to darkness and wind so decided to bed down in a tree well for the evening.
“Other than being a little cold and hungry they were fine,” said Little.
RCMP would like to reminded people venturing into the backcountry to check conditions due to the risk of avalanche.
The temperature reported on the Whitewater snow report taken at around 4 a.m. was 6.0°C / 21.2°F.
