Five people are safe and sound after getting stuck in the backcountry in Strathcona Park.
Initially, four backcountry skiers left from Raven Lodge at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on New Year’s Eve day and were due to return on Jan. 1. Unfortunately, only one of them returned, sparking a call to Comox Valley Search and Rescue to help locate the three missing skiers — and their two dogs — who were thought to have retreated to a cabin at Divers Lake.
According to Paul Berry of the Comox Valley SAR, the missing skiers had no working phone and no supplies on them. He notes the terrain was difficult to traverse due to extreme snow conditions and avalanche conditions.
Despite strong winds and heavy snowfall along with blizzard-like conditions making rescue efforts extremely difficult, Comox Valley SAR managed to locate the missing trio and the two dogs.
However, as rescuers met up with the missing trio, they received another call for help nearby in the Murray Meadows area of Strathcona Park.
Comox Valley SAR eventually located the two other individuals — described as “recreationalists” on social media — and brought them, along with the three skiers and the two dogs to safety.
In a post on social media, Comox Valley SAR said all five people are safe and sound and in good shape. They also said the conditions were some of the “most difficult” they have encountered in years.
Tasks Complete – all CVSAR teams and 5 recreationalists(and K9s) are safely out of the field and in good shape. Some of the most difficult operational conditions the team has operated in in years. pic.twitter.com/I1q1XjUY5D
— Comox Valley SAR (@ComoxValleySAR) January 3, 2022
CHEK News
