Skiers rescued after losing their way in backcountry

It was a succesful mission for Central Okanagan Search and Rescue.

Late Saturday evening (Feb 18), Kelowna RCMP called on COSAR to assist in locating and rescuing five skiers who lost their way and were stuck in the Big White Mountain Ecological Reserve backcountry.

COSAR responded with seven snowmobiles and 10 support personnel.

Working with the Big White ski patrol, search teams managed to make contact with the five individuals at around 7 p.m.

The sled team located the skiers on the Two John Forest Service Road and brought them out to Big White Road.

Once all the skiers were out, they were met by family members and taken back to the Big White to warm up.

Search manager Duane Tresnich stated “the coordinated effort between our two teams made this a textbook rescue.”

“It was also a positive note that all the skiers stayed together in one place when they realized they were in trouble, making it easier for search teams to reach them.”