"The group of backcountry tourers became disoriented while skiing in the Spruce Peak backcountry and realized they had traversed too far to the left. That recognition was critical. Knowing the steep and dangerous cliffs that drop into the Notch below them, they resisted the temptation to follow existing ski tracks and instead paused to reassess their situation as daylight faded. With time working against them, they made the call to ask for help."
"Rescuers advised the skiers to move uphill and retrace their tracks until they reached the Long Trail. At the same time, Stowe Mountain Rescue was transported up Spruce Peak by a Stowe Mountain Resort bus cat. Just as the team arrived at the top, the four skiers emerged from the darkness onto the trail, cold but unharmed. Rescuers loaded them up and brought them safely back down the mountain."
"The experience also delivered some hard-earned lessons. Navigating in the dark reinforced the importance of carrying headlamps, spare batteries, and backup power for phones when traveling in the backcountry. Stowe Mountain Rescue emphasized that if skiers believe they may be in trouble, calling early can make all the difference. The team would much rather help guide someone out during daylight than mount a full rescue once darkness and cold temperatures set in."
A group of four backcountry skiers became disoriented on Spruce Peak after traversing too far left and recognized the error before descending. They resisted following existing tracks toward steep cliffs into the Notch, paused as daylight faded, and called for help. Rescuers instructed them to move uphill and retrace their tracks to the Long Trail while a Stowe Mountain Resort bus cat transported the rescue team to the summit. The skiers emerged onto the trail cold but unharmed and were brought down safely. The incident highlighted nighttime navigation risks and the need for headlamps, spare batteries, and early calls for assistance.
Read at SnowBrains
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