Skiers rescued from avalanche in B.C.

Group equipped with GPS units, satellite phone

A group of backcountry skiers had to be rescued over the weekend after they were caught in an avalanche near Golden, B.C. Fortunately, they were properly equipped with the right communication devices, ensuring a quick response from search and rescue members, said Const. Lesley Smith.

“They had GPS units and a satellite phone ... in case they got hurt, lost or stuck,” Smith said.

Mounties received a report from the International Emergency Response Reporting Centre at about 4:11 p.m. Sunday that they had received a signal from an avalanche beacon.

They determined a group of four skiers from the Golden area were involved in a slide near Hope Creek.

Using an InReach communication device, one of the skiers was able to get in touch with authorities to confirm that everyone had been accounted for.

One skier sustained a broken leg and another had an injured knee, Smith said. The skier was able to relay GPS co-ordinates for the group’s location.

Members with the Golden and District Search and Rescue were able to reach the area by late evening and tend to the injured skiers. They remained with them through the night until they were flown out by helicopter the next morning.

“When you’re going out in the backcountry, there’s a risk in any terrain in the wilderness,” Smith said.

She recommended checking the Canadian Avalanche Centre website at www.avalanche.ca for tips and forecasts.

When you’re going out in the backcountry, there’s a risk CONST. LESLEY SMITH