Lost skiers found; being airlifted to safety
By Trail Champion
A helicopter is currently airlifting 10 skiers and a Search and Rescue crew to safety from Grey Mountain near Rossland, according to Trail RCMP Cpl. Dave Johnson.
“On Dec. 29, shortly after 5 p.m., Red Mountain Resort reported 10 overdue skiers (who) had not reported in,” Cpl. Johnson explained.
“They had set off in the morning and had spoken of exploring the new area of Grey Mountain. The 10 skiers varied in ages and all are from the state of Washington, US. Although from out of town, the lead male knows the area, has a residence at the resort on Red Mountain and is believed to be an advanced skier.
He said Rossland Search and Resuce were called in, and later found the group of skiers on the back side of Grey Mountain near Esling Creek.
“No one was injured and all were accounted for,” he said. “They had been able to start a fire and await assistance. Given the terrain and other variables, it was determined that they would set in for the night and be brought out at daybreak.”
Johnson said a helicopter was deployed at first light to shuttle out both skiers and S&R members.
“This process of shuttling out the group is currently in progress and is expected to be completed today.”
Cpl. Johnson said by 1 p.m. all of the skiers and Search and Rescue personnel had been successfully retrieved, and the skiers reunited with their respective families.
