3 Ski Resorts to Initiate Search and Rescue Patrols
Starting this season, National Ski Patrol volunteers will traverse wooded areas surrounding three local ski resorts in search of lost skiers and snowboarders and car accident victims, said National Forest Service Ranger Terry Ellis.
Sixteen ski patrol volunteers will serve Mt. Waterman, Snow Crest and Buck Horn ski resorts, he said, and will be easily identified by black jackets with a white cross on the back.
The ski patrol will work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue Unit to airlift lost skiers from the woods, Ellis said.
The new patrols were prompted by the death of a lost snowboarder last winter.
Ellis added that people who purchase a lift ticket and go out of the ski resort boundary may be charged for rescue costs if they get lost.
“Skiing out of bounds is a violation of state code, and the Sheriff’s Department can charge skiers who get lost and create expenses for the taxpayers of Los Angeles County,” Ellis said.
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