Injured snowboarder airlifted to hospital after spending night in B.C. mountains

An injured snowboarder had to spend the night outdoors after hurting her hip in B.C.'s backcountry — a reminder to always prepare for the worst-case scenario, first responders say.

It happened in the Mount Allan Brooks Area of Strathcona Park, where the boarder was on a day trip with her partner on Nov. 24.

After the injury, the pair tried to return home but realized they wouldn't be able to make it back before dark, so they called in for help.

Heavy snow meant an airlift was impossible so a ski team travelled nearly six hours to reach the pair, said Paul Berry of Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR)

It was 1:30 a.m. PT by the time the team arrived and were able to provide first aid and build snow caves for shelter.

When daylight came, a helicopter airlifted the injured boarder to hospital in Nanaimo.

It was one of two rescues CVSAR says it responded to over the weekend after helping an injured snowmobiler behind Mount Washington on Saturday.

Paul Berry of Comox Valley Search and Rescue says the winter rescue came early in the season, but with so much fresh snow following a relatively dry winter last year, he believes people are eager to get out into the mountains.

"I think people are hunkered away just waiting for that first snow and to get out, and that was the case this weekend," he said.

He says the couple was well-equipped for a day in the snow but had not packed with the intention of spending the night outdoors.

He said it serves as a reminder to always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

That message was echoed by Tyson Rettie, a forecaster with Avalanche Canada.

WATCH | Preparing for avalanche season: 

Winter avalanche risk increases as B.C. hit with unstable weather

6 days ago

Duration 1:59

Those venturing into the B.C. backcountry in the coming days are being warned of hazardous conditions as many areas of the province are hit with unstable weather. As CBC's Corey Bullock reports, the start of the winter weather brings with it the start of avalanche risk.

He says shoulder season is particularly prone to unexpected changes, and anyone headed into the backcountry should be trained in how to handle an accident or injury.

"People need to be taking an avalanche skills training course, carrying companion rescue equipment and reading the forecast every day before they head out," he said.