JACKSON, Wyo. — Two skiers were caught in an avalanche while skiing an out-of-bounds run on Snow King Mountain this afternoon.
Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) received an alert about the avalanche at 12:47 p.m. and dispatched a team of its volunteers.
TCSAR said both skiers were local residents on their lunch break and were carrying avalanche safety equipment. The skiers had exited a gate at the top of the mountain and were descending an area known as Scotty’s Ridge when they triggered the avalanche. They both lost their skis in the incident, with one skier sustaining injuries.
“TCSAR responded with a short-haul team in the helicopter, along with other volunteers responding up the Snow King gondola to descend on skis to the two skiers,” said TCSAR.
TCSAR then short-hauled both skiers to a landing zone at START Bus’ “bus barn” in the middle of town and were transferred to a waiting ambulance.
“Thanks to Snow King Mountain and Ski Patrol for their coordination and help on this rescue.”
“This accident serves as a good reminder that Snow King’s out-of-bounds is not avalanche-controlled and that the terrain should be taken seriously despite its close proximity to town.”
TCSAR
Just before TCSAR was alerted of this incident, the team was called at 12:35 p.m. regarding a skier with a dislocated shoulder above Ski Lake on Teton Pass. The team began assembling a response with snowmobiles and the helicopter. As the volunteers were gearing up to head out into the field, the party called to say that they would be able to self-rescue and get out on their own. The team stood down on that call and no field response was necessary.
