"Completely irresponsible individual" jeopardizes lives after reportedly ducking rope at Colorado resort

The San Miguel Sheriff's Office used strong words when they reported on a rescue effort that occurred over the weekend in Telluride, Colorado. The rescue effort resulted in personnel from multiple agencies being sent into rugged terrain during dangerous conditions.

"We could have had a lot of people killed today," said Sheriff William "Bill" Masters, after his deputies, along with San Miguel County Search and Rescue and the Telluride Ski Patrol, saved the life of a cliffed-out 36-year-old skier stuck in backcountry terrain found just outside of Telluride Ski Resort on Sunday.

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The skier that needed rescue became cliffed-out in the Bear  Creek backcountry area after ducking a rope at Telluride Ski Resort. The skier was reportedly with a ski-instructed group at the time, but became separated. He claims that passing the ski area boundary was accidental. He eventually became stuck below 'Needle Rock.'

Sheriff Masters described the situation as follows: "These rescuers are literally risking this lives for this completely irresponsible individual in treacherous terrain with avalanche danger in the dark."

The search and rescue effort was complicated by high avalanche danger and limited visibility. Eventually six rescuers were able to reach the individual, escorting him out of the field. The mission took three hours. 

"People need to know that ski boundaries and ropes exist for a reason," said Sheriff Masters.

Thankfully, this situation ended with no injuries among those involved, including the rescuers and the stuck skier.

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Additional details may emerge regarding what role the aforementioned ski instructor played in the incident. Guided tours of the Bear Creek area have been offered in the past, though it is unclear if they are being offered at this time. Avalanche risk in the area of Telluride is currently rated as 'considerable' – a three of five on the avalanche risk scale.

Terrain like that of the Bear Creek area is often referred to as 'sidecountry' terrain – unmaintained backcountry terrain that comes with big backcountry risks, even though it is accessible from a ski resort. Typically, those accessing this area use official gates found on the resort. Not doing so can be dangerous and potentially deadly.

This incident serves as an important reminder to think twice before doing something risky – not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of others that your risky decision may impact. Taking risks in backcountry terrain can put the lives of search and rescue crews at risk.

Most search and rescue efforts that take place in Colorado are volunteer-driven. One way to support this effort is through the purchase of a CORSAR card. Find out more about that program here.

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