KSAR vehicles in Sun Peaks. (Image Credit: Kent Simmonds)

By Victor Kaisar

Missing Skiers Found

UPDATE – KSAR says trio of missing skiers at Sun Peaks found ‘in good shape’

Dec 14, 2024 | 9:38 AM

SUN PEAKS B.C. —(UPDATE 3:00 p.m.): Kamloops Search and Rescue says the three people who went missing at Sun Peaks Resort Friday night (Dec. 13) have been found “in good shape.”

The trio – two skiers and a snowboarder – were cold and tired when they found around 4:45 a.m. Saturday, by teams from Kamloops and Barriere Search and Rescue.

KSAR Search Manager Cassidy Simpson says the three were found in an area with difficult terrain in an area near the new West Bowl chairlift.

“[Sun Peaks Ski Patrol] quickly assessed that the three had not left the West Bowl and their last ride was up the new chairlift,” Simpson told CFJC Today. “We had an initial idea of where we believed they went in and due to that particular canyon, we’re familiar with it, because it seems to be where it funnels a number of people that decide to go underneath the rope or don’t pay attention to the safety signs.”

“They had gotten into that canyon and it basically is a one way trip. You’re not coming back up out of it, you have to commit and hike out the bottom.”

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Simpson says the three people were flashing a light at a drone, which guided a ground search team that was a few hundred feet away towards the skiers. He says the group then bushwhacked their way down the mountain before the skiers were checked out by paramedics as a precaution.

“They were very tired, their feet and hands were very cold, they were wet,” Simpson said. “It was a very mild night considering we had a small snowstorm. We weren’t sure if the drones was going to be able to fly.”

“There were a few things that lined up for us, thankfully.”

A statement from Sun Peaks Resort said the three people were reported missing by friends after they did not show up at a pre-arranged time.

“We are pleased to share that the individuals were successfully located early this morning,” the Resort said, in a statement. “We extend our sincere gratitude to our Ski Patrol, KSAR, and everyone involved for their swift and dedicated response.”

All recent missing skiers were “out of bounds,” Sun Peaks says

KSAR volunteers have been called in to help find six lost or missing skiers at Sun Peaks Resort since Nov. 30, one of which ended in tragedy after a multi-day search effort.

In a statement, Sun Peaks Resort says all of the recent rescue efforts began after skiers or snowboarders “chose to ignore the roped and signed ski area boundary” in the area near the new West Bowl chairlift, which opened this season.

“We want to reinforce the importance of never leaving the ski area boundary. These boundaries are clearly roped to ensure the safety and protection of all our on-mountain guests,” the statement said. “Beyond these ropes lies terrain that has limited to no cellular service, is unpatrolled, often not skiable, and extremely difficult to exit safely.”

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and employees is our top priority and we are discussing what measures can be put in place to bolster public education.”

The Sun Peaks statement went on to say that the new $12-million West Bowl chairlift “offers incredible opportunities for skiers and snowboarders to explore exciting new in-bound terrain suitable for intermediate and advanced levels.”

“However, we urge all guests to remain vigilant and to respect the ski area boundary at all times,” the statement added. “Never venture beyond the ski area boundary.”

“Please, stay safe, make good choices, and help spread the word.”