Search for missing skier called off

Search and Rescue members had everyone in place to search the backcountry near Big White Sunday night (Mar. 7) for a missing skier.

RCMP were were alerted by the skier’s family when he failed to show up on schedule and texted them to say he had a broken skin (a device to help ski uphill).

A helicopter was sent in to scour the area by air and sled teams from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) and the Kelowna Snowmobile Club prepared to search from the ground.

Fortunately, the skier was able to find his own way out and the search teams were stood down.

“COSAR is grateful to have had the full cooperation of the Big White Ski Patrol for avalanche expertise and the Kelowna Snowmobile Club who are of great assistance in winter operations,” a news release fro COSAR stated.

It was the third backcountry search for COSAR this year.

The volunteer group reminds outdoor enthusiasts that it does not charge for rescues.