Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded to a call just before 2 p.m. on Sunday from two skiers who were climbing the north face of Wilson Peak in Big Sky and got caught in an avalanche. NBC Montana reports one skier was able to escape but the other was caught and carried through some trees at the bottom of the slope. That skier sustained injuries, making them unable to hike or ski out. The skiers activated a GPS communication device to summon help. Searchers from Big Sky, a helicopter team and Big Sky Fire Department’s ambulance responded.
Gallatin County Sheriff SAR posted the following on their Facebook page:
On April 3, 2022, at 1:53 pm, Gallatin County 911 received a call from skiers caught in an avalanche while ascending the north face of Wilson Peak in Big Sky.
One skier was able to self-extricate immediately. The other skier was swept down the slope, through some trees, and ultimately was able to self-extricate at the bottom of the slide. That skier sustained injuries that would not allow them to hike or ski out.
The reporting party had a GPS communication device and was able to call for help. Gallatin County Sheriff SAR members from Big Sky and the Helicopter team responded to the patient’s location. They were able to land near the patient, load both into the helicopter and fly them to a waiting Big Sky Fire Department Ambulance. The patient was transported to the Big Sky Medical Center for further evaluation.
Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the skiers for having a communication device that allowed them to call for help immediately and be rescued in a timely manner. Having a plan and equipment for emergency events when recreating in the backcountry can make the difference between a quick rescue or spending an unexpected night in the mountains.
