A 36-year-old Ontario man who spent 28 hours in the backcountry after going out of bounds at Revelstoke Mountain Resort was found on a ski run by ski patrollers at 4:25 pm on Tuesday, February 23, RCMP Staff Sgt. Kurt Grabinsky said in a statement.
“The Revelstoke RCMP wish to thank the massive efforts made by Revelstoke Search and Rescue, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and the pilot and team from Arrow Helicopters who searched for Mr. Patel throughout the day, and through very risky conditions,” Grabinsky said. “It is through many hours of volunteer efforts that users of the back-country are frequently saved. These people risk their lives to assist others.”
He said people who do not have proper safety equipment, supplies and training should avoid entering un-patrolled areas. It is recommended to always travel in groups, create and abide by plans and share those plans with others who can notify emergency personnel to conduct a search and rescue.
Patel had no emergency equipment of any kind. Nor did he have food or water when he went out of bounds, Grabinsky said.
Revelstoke Search and Rescue was activated shortly after the call for the missing male was received (at about 9 pm on Monday), however with no ability to fly at night and avalanche conditions rated at Considerable, they were unable to begin their search until first light on Tuesday. SAR personnel found Patel’s snowboard at Montana Creek, Grabinsky said.