Fernie Search and Rescue Avalanche Rescue Team has spent the day training at Fernie Alpine Resort.

One hour after the training ended Fernie SAR was activated around 2pm to respond to three skiers in distress on Mongolia Ridge. The skiers, including two local residents, had become cliffed out while trying to get back to the resort from Mongolia Bowl and losing a ski.

Fernie SAR Technicians effected a challenging long-line rescue, in coordination with Fernie Alpine Resort management and Ski Patrol team. Technical piloting skills from Ascent Helicopters made this rescue possible.

The three skiers were brought to safety and escorted to the resort base.

Fernie Search and Rescue is a wilderness emergency response group that acts on behalf of Emergency Management BC.

The group is comprised of volunteers who assist people in emergencies in the backcountry. Fernie Search and Rescue can be tasked by various agencies, including the RCMP, the British Columbia Ambulance Service or BCAS, Fire /Rescue, local municipalities and the Department of National Defence.

Members of the public needing a SAR response should call 911, ask for the RCMP or BCAS and state that the nature of the emergency is in the backcountry and needs a SAR response.

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