PRESS RELEASE

Pioneer Mountain Rescue

On April 2, 2023 at 7:40pm Gallatin County Dispatch received a call from a snowmobiler who was stuck in the backcountry.  After hours of trying to get out the snowmobiler called 911.  The phone call placed them in the area of Pioneer Mountain near Big Sky.  The snowmobiler advised their feet were cold but were otherwise dressed for the weather.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Big Sky Section gathered and responded from two different directions.  Both teams were on snowmobiles and one team was equipped with skis.  Volunteers were able to locate the snowmobiler close to the ping location.  The snowmobiler was found to be injury free, but very cold.  After starting a fire to warm them up, a plan was made to get the snowmobiler and the snowmobile out. All volunteers and the rescued snowmobiler were able to safely return to the trailhead.

Sheriff Springer would like to commend the snowmobiler for having a way to communicate when a problem arose but would also like to stress the importance of going with another person and staying with them when recreating in the backcountry.  Problems that suddenly occur may become greater if you are recreating in the backcountry alone. Having a friend to help if you are stuck, injured or lost is invaluable.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.