Out of bounds skiers rescued at Buttermilk Ski Area
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
At approximately noon on Saturday, according to a press release, the Pitkin County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call of what appeared to be a skier violation at the Buttermilk Ski Area. Aspen Skiing Company ski patrollers from the Buttermilk Mountain Ski Patrol requested permission to venture out-of-bounds for a group of two skiers.
At approximately 12:50 p.m., Buttermilk Mountain Ski Patrol requested the assistance of Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) for the group of two, one of whom was injured. Dispatch advised then that another skier was also out of bounds, uninjured, at the Buttermilk Ski Area and requesting assistance.
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with MRA and Buttermilk Mountain Ski Patrol deployed a rescue team into the field at approximately 13:31 p.m., according to the press release. Two MRA teams were deployed. A two MRA member team assisted the group of two skiers, and a single MRA member assisted the individual skier. Buttermilk Ski Patrol soon made contact with the group of two skiers, began patient assessment, and moved the skiers down the mountain with help from MRA.
At approximately 13:52 p.m., the single MRA member made contact with the individual skier and assisted in getting the skier to the West Buttermilk Parking Lot.
The group of two skiers were released, and the injured skier was transferred to a civilian vehicle for transport to the hospital, according to the press release. After being transported down from the West Buttermilk Parking Lot, the individual skier was given a ride to their residence. All MRA members were out of the field at approximately 15:22 p.m.
According to the press release, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all-volunteer team from Mountain Rescue Aspen and Aspen Ski Patrol for the coordination of a safe and timely response.
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen would like to remind the public that when out at Buttermilk Ski Area remember there are out-of-bounds areas which are outside the ski area boundary, and to proceed with caution. Those venturing into the backcountry are reminded to be prepared with proper equipment and knowledge that backcountry rescues can take time.
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