Killington Resort is not happy about a rescue that was required in the backcountry over the weekend.
On Saturday, 23 people had to be rescued in the Killington backcountry. Rescuers had to face frigid temperatures, a brief snow squall, and a long five-mile hike to save the stranded skiers and riders. According to the Rutland Herald, Killington Search & Rescue doesn’t charge people for their rescue, but the response was projected to cost thousands of dollars.
Kristel Killary, who’s the brand marketing and communications manager for Killington Resort, said to the Rutland Herald that these people ducked a rope and then ventured into the backcountry. It’s against Killington’s safety code to drop under ropes and go into the backcountry. Due to these rules, Killington Resort has fired the employee who went into the backcountry. The Vermont ski resort is still determining whether they will be pulling the passes of those who dropped the ropes.
For more information about the rescue, check out this video from ABC 22 below.
Image/Video Credits: Killington Police Department, Killington Resort, Local 22 & Local 44