Lost Baker Snowboarder Saved by Patrol After 2 Nights Alone
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Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker ski area. Around where Oliver was lost. Snowbrains photo.
Oliver Smith, a 21 year old snowboarder, spent 2 nights alone in the Mount Baker backcountry after getting lost trying a new run in bounds and sliding down a slope into the side country.
Oliver was soaked and didn't have food or water, he told
King 5 News (the full interview can be seen at the bottom of this article). In order to survive he drank creekwater and built makeshift shelters out of branches. He and his family thank the diligent work of Mount Baker Ski Patrol for continuing to search until he was found.
Looking toward Mount Shuksan and the drainage to White Salmon Creek. Oliver became lost in this area. Photo Credit: Maya Hunger
In light of this story here are two takeaways for any skier or snowboarder.
#1) Before Entering Skiing New Zone or Terrain Think of the Ski Patrollers
Oliver's car in the Mount Baker Ski Area parking lot after two nights lost in the backcountry. Jake Lint photo.
When shit hits the fan it is ski patrollers and search and rescue who will put their lives at risk to help. Therefore, the choices you make while skiing are not just going to affect you, they often impact those who would be responsible for collecting you, or your body, when something goes wrong. Therefore, when making decisions you need to factor weather, ski ability, time of day, terrain, etc. in order to make a safe decision
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#2) Know Before You Go
In many cases the places people get lost are the places without cell phone service. If you can help it, don't count on electronics to get you home safe. If Oliver had carried a map he may have seen that continuing down the creek bed would not bring him back near the resort.
We at TGR are happy that Oliver has returned safely, and was able to survive for two days in the wilderness. It is fortunate when cautionary tales like these have happy endings.
Here's Oliver's interview with King 5 News:
