Industry News
A backcountry skier was rescued and hospitalized Wednesday after he fell 1,000 feet from the ridge between Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY and Cody Peak reports the JH News and Guide.
Stephen Sherk, 24, of Jackson, was taken to St. John’s Medical Center after he was flown out of the park by helicopter in a short-haul rescue, according to a statement from Grand Teton National Park officials. Sherk and three others were hiking from the top of the tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to ski in the backcountry when, on the west side of Cody Peak, Sherk slipped on firm snow and ice. After he fell, one of his companions called 911.
Two people from a separate ski party who happened to be emergency medical technicians descended to Sherk. He came to a stop on the west side of Cody Peak, which is inside Grand Teton National Park. Using a helicopter, Teton County Search and Rescue responded. Grand Teton National Park personnel assisted, and patrol staff from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort skied to Sherk’s location. A short-haul extraction was determined to be appropriate. Sherk was then driven by ambulance to the hospital.
“Teton County Search and Rescue initiated a rescue response, including their helicopter, and notified Grand Teton National Park for assistance,” Grand Teton National Park public information specialist Denise Germann stated in a press release. “Members of the mountain patrol staff from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort also assisted by skiing to the location of the injured skier.”
Although Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is closed for skiing, skiers can still access the Cody Peak area outside the resort’s southern boundary from the top of the resort’s tram.
