A mass rescue went down this weekend in Vermont after 23 skiers and snowboarders were reported missing during a cold snap that dropped temps into the single digits.
The Killington Police Department received a call that 7 to 9 people were missing in the backcountry at about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Vermont State Police’s search and rescue team was brought in, it was determined that 21 people, including six juveniles, were missing.
The S&R team hiked and snowshoed approximately 5 miles in freezing temperatures to rendezvous with the missing skiers and snowboarders. After each person was found, they warmed up in firetrucks or the personal vehicles of first responders.
Just as the rescuers were wrapping up to leave, an additional call reporting that two others were lost in the backcountry came in. By 9:30 p.m., the two skiers were also brought to safety.
Killington Police Department Press Release (01/20/2024)
On 1/20/2024, at approximately 1430 hours the Killington Police Department was notified of 7-9 lost skiers/snowboardes in the backcountry.
Killington officers spoke with VSP SAR Coordinator Drew Clymer and through investigation it was determined there were a total of 21 lost individuals, 6 of which juveniles.
The decision was made to activate KSAR, who responded with 12 members.
Team members hiked, snowshoed and skinned approximately 5 miles, in frigid temperatures to assist in evaluating and bringing those lost back to safety.
Once out of the woods, those rescued warmed up in Killington Fire Departments Heavy Rescue truck and team members personal vehicles as they awaited their rides.
As the team was ready to clear, an additional call came in for 2 more skiers who were lost in the backcountry. 6 KSAR team members returned to the woods and made contact with and walked them out to safety at approximately 1930 hours.
A special thanks should be given to all the volunteers who responded and worked this call.
Killington Search and Rescue (KSAR), Killington Fire / Rescue, Killington Resort Ski Patrol, Rescue Inc. and State PSAP/ Dispatch assisted and were important partners with this complex call.
