Industry News
On Saturday, rescue teams at Buttermilk Ski Area in Aspen, Colorado, successfully retrieved three skiers who had ventured beyond the resort’s boundaries. The operation involved coordination between Aspen Skiing Company ski patrollers and Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) volunteers, reports the Aspen Times.
The Pitkin County Emergency Dispatch Center received the initial call around noon, reporting a potential skier violation. Buttermilk Mountain Ski Patrol requested permission to enter out-of-bounds areas to assist two skiers, one injured. A third skier, uninjured but also out-of-bounds, subsequently requested assistance.
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with MRA and Buttermilk Mountain Ski Patrol, deployed rescue teams at approximately 1:31 p.m. Two MRA teams were dispatched to aid the pair of skiers and assist the solo skier. Buttermilk Ski Patrol contacted the duo, assessed the injured skier’s condition, and began their descent with MRA’s support.
By 1:52 p.m., the lone MRA member reached the individual skier and guided them safely to the West Buttermilk Parking Lot. The injured skier from the group of two was transferred to a civilian vehicle for hospital transport, while the solo skier received a ride home.
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen remind skiers to be aware of out-of-bounds areas and to proceed cautiously. They emphasize the importance of proper equipment and knowledge when exploring beyond resort boundaries.
