Pair of lost locals spend night in the back country

On January 14, 2012 at 8:30 p.m., Trail & Greater District RCMP received a report of two area residents, a man and woman in their mid 50's, missing from the Red Mountain Ski Hill area near Rossland. They were last seen around noon that date at the ski hill but had not returned by evening, and their vehicle was still in the parking lot.

Rossland Search & Rescue was mobilized and searched until 2 a.m. without locating the couple. The search was continued the next morning, with the assistance of both South Columbia and Castlegar Search & Rescue units, as well as a helicopter from Highland Helicopters. Approximately 40 volunteers turned out.

At around noon on January 15, the couple was located in the Esling Creek drainage area, west of Red Mountain and leading to Big Sheep Creek. Upon hearing the helicopter, they made their way to an open area and stamped out “HELP” in the snow, which was spotted by the helicopter crew.

Search & Rescue members were then flown to their location and the couple were assisted to a location where they could board the helicopter.

As a result of their ordeal, the couple was cold, tired and hungry but otherwise in good condition.

They were not equipped to spend the night outdoors and had not been able to build a fire, so they kept active through the night to prevent hypothermia. They advised that, while skiing, they became caught in sudden white-out conditions and became lost.

This article is a press release from the Trail RCMP.