A rescue video was just released of a 79-year-old skier who survived a cold night in the woods after getting lost while skiing at Blacktail Ski Area in Lakeside, Montana.
The man was last seen at the top of Emmon’s Run in the Blacktail Ski Area when he got separated from his friend. He was reported missing around 4:30pm. As the temperatures dropped, search crews worked on the ground into the early hours of the morning but were unable to locate him. A helicopter crew from Two Bear Air attempted to join the search but were forced to return to base due to poor conditions.
The search resumed the following day and the crew from Two Bear Air spotted the man. The man was hoisted into the helicopter and delivered to the crews at the top of the mountain in good condition. He had become disoriented after going off trail and recognized it was up to himself to survive the night. The man warded off the cold by hunkering down in a tree well, covering himself in pine boughs and starting a small fire. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office credited the man’s outdoors skills for surviving the night.
The following video was posted by Two Bear Air of his hoist rescue. Cheers to the everyone involved in this successful rescue and to the 79-year-old who persevered against the elements.
Two Bear Air Statement:
On the evening of February 17th we were dispatched to Blacktail Ski Resort to search for a missing 79 year old skier. Clouds and a low ceiling prevented us from reaching the search area. A ground search continued.
The following day when the clouds lifted we returned and were successful in locating the subject. He had become disoriented off trail and had survived the night by making a shelter in a tree well. He was also able to make a small fire for warmth.
The subject was hoisted into our helicopter and delivered to the crews at the top of the mountain in good condition. Our thanks to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead and North Valley Search and Rescue Organizations, Nordic Ski Patrol and both Blacktail and Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrols. Great job everyone!
Based near Whitefish, Montana, Two Bear Air Rescue provides world-class aviation support for Search and Rescue operations across the Northwest United States. Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen supports all costs of this program leaving ZERO cost to the taxpayers.
Two Bear Air Rescue is sent on a mission when the requesting agency calls Flathead County 911 Center. The request is sent to the Flathead County Sheriff and Search and Rescue Coordinator for dispatch.
Two Bear Air Rescue provides Search and Rescue services, working in conjunction with ground ambulances and Air ambulance services by coordinating transfer of rescue victims for transport to local hospitals. Two Bear Air Rescue missions are under the authority of the Sheriff in each County which they are working in.
