Backcountry Skier, Snowboarder Rescued After Christmas Trek
TELLURIDE, Colo. (AP) — Authorities are warning backcountry skiers not to venture into remote areas if they are not experienced or prepared.
San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters' warning comes after first responders on Friday rescued a skier and a snowboarder who got lost during a backcountry trek in Telluride's Bear Creek. Masters says the skier, a 27-year-old man, and the snowboarder, a 39-year-old woman, left the ski area on Thursday and became disoriented.
They sent text messages to a friend who helped authorities locate them. Masters says the two were not hurt, though the woman showed signs of frostbite.
Masters says the pair were lucky. He says it's too hazardous for his office to send rescuers into Bear Creek at night and "people are going to die out there, cold and alone."
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