The dangers of backcountry skiing were starkly illustrated in late January and February of , with multiple incidents requiring rescue operations in Colorado. While two skiers were successfully rescued from a frozen waterfall, other incidents resulted in fatalities, highlighting the critical need for preparedness and the vital role of mountain rescue teams.
Ouray Mountain Rescue Team’s Overnight Operation
On , the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT), a non-profit organization comprised of trained volunteers, successfully rescued two skiers stranded on a frozen waterfall in the Colorado mountains. The skiers became stuck while descending the east ridge of Angel Knob, in the Angel Creek drainage, as darkness fell. The OMRT responded to the call and navigated challenging ice pitches to reach the skiers, who were reported to be cold but uninjured.
The rescue involved an initial team dispatched to gather information and attempt to provide warmth from the base of the rappel. A second team then ascended the icefall to directly access the stranded skiers. A further team was deployed the following morning to deliver additional supplies, including food, warmth and traction aids, ensuring the skiers’ safe evacuation from the canyon. The entire operation concluded by noon the next day, with both the rescue team and the skiers safely back in town.
This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing and the importance of having the appropriate equipment and communication devices. The OMRT’s swift and skilled response prevented a potentially tragic outcome.
Broader Pattern of Backcountry Incidents
The rescue by the OMRT was not an isolated event. Separate rescue missions occurred around the same time, and tragically, two experienced backcountry skiers died, while two others were rescued in a separate incident. Five additional skiers were treated for injuries in Pitkin County, Colorado, on , according to reports from Mountain Rescue Aspen. These incidents collectively point to a period of heightened danger in the Colorado backcountry.
Hypothermia: A Significant Threat
One individual involved in a separate rescue operation suffered severe hypothermia, according to Jon Hodge, who was with the skiers. Hypothermia, defined as an abnormally low body temperature, occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that hypothermia can develop even at temperatures above 40°F if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or cold water.
The CDC identifies several risk factors for hypothermia, including older age, inadequate clothing or heating, prolonged outdoor exposure, and the use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Symptoms in adults include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. In infants, symptoms can include bright red, cold skin and very low energy levels. Hypothermia is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Financial Implications of Mountain Rescue
While the OMRT is a volunteer organization, mountain rescue operations are not without financial cost. Equipment, training, and logistical support require funding. The increasing frequency of rescues, as evidenced by the recent incidents in Colorado, could place a strain on the resources of these volunteer organizations. This raises questions about the sustainability of volunteer-based rescue services and the potential need for increased public funding or private donations.
the economic impact extends to the tourism industry. Colorado’s ski resorts and backcountry areas attract significant revenue. High-profile rescue operations and fatalities can negatively impact the state’s image as a safe destination for winter sports, potentially leading to a decline in tourism revenue. The cost of search and rescue operations also diverts resources that could be used for other tourism-related initiatives.
Backcountry Safety and Preparedness
The recent events serve as a critical reminder of the importance of backcountry safety and preparedness. Skiers and adventurers venturing into remote and treacherous locations should be attentive to their surroundings, check weather and avalanche conditions, and carry the proper equipment, including communication devices. Understanding the risks of hypothermia and knowing the warning signs are also crucial for preventing serious injury or death. The OMRT’s successful rescue operation highlights the dedication and skill of volunteer mountain rescue teams, but prevention is the most effective strategy for ensuring safety in the backcountry.
The increasing demand on these rescue teams, coupled with the potential financial implications for both the rescue organizations and the tourism industry, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to backcountry safety, including education, improved infrastructure, and adequate funding for rescue services.
