A 29-year-old skier was rescued by helicopter after becoming stranded by avalanches during a solo backcountry outing in Strathcona Provincial Park on Saturday.
Comox Valley Search and Rescue posted on Facebook on Sunday about the rescue, writing that the team performed a five-hour rescue in the Mt. Becher area after a series of avalanches left the backcountry skier stranded.
“The experienced, well-prepared skier called 911 after reaching a safe location,” said the rescue group, noting the snowpack and cooler temperature have allowed many backcountry enthusiasts to don their skis late into the season.
The search-and-rescue team consulted with an avalanche safety officer before embarking on the rescue, using an RCMP helicopter to reach the woman and fly her to safety.
Anyone heading into the backcountry should check conditions before they go, travel with a partner and bring the essentials to stay warm and dry in case they end up stranded, the group said.
The rescue group noted that the woman’s cellphone had failed, and she used a satellite device to communicate throughout the operation.
