Revelstoke missing snowboarders located

Revelstoke RCMP.

A 36 hour ordeal is over for two snowboarders who chose to ski out of bounds at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Police were notified on January 16th, 2010 at approx. 8:00 p.m. of the 2 overdue snowboarders missing from the Resort. Revelstoke Search and Rescue were activated and a search was conducted of the ski hill and surrounding area both by ground and by air.

Day 1 of the search was unsuccessful. Day 2 was more successful and the two 31 year old males from Kelowna were located safe and none the worse for wear. After two nights on the mountain the 2 were spotted by a helicopter this morning and they were able to walk out on their own. The two had boarded into the Montana Slough area which is out of bounds. This area of Mount Mackenzie is out of bounds for a reason, it is a creek basin and once in it, there is no turning back and no way of getting back in bounds.

This brings the total to 10 reports police have received of missing skiers/boarders this season. Fortunately all were located safe and sound but all were located out of bounds. Due to the topography of the area a helicopter is almost always used. Add that to the many man hours put in by the ski patrol and the volunteer search and rescue group and the costs quickly add up.

Police are urging everyone who plans on visiting the resort to please stay in bounds. Avalanche conditions in the back country are considerable and colder temperatures are sure to come. Both could make an unprepared night on the mountain life threatening.

Revelstoke
January 18, 2010
RCMP File # 2010-181