Salt Lake Search & Rescue frees two stuck skiers on Mt. Olympus

Two skiers were successfully extricated after being stuck on Mt. Olympus on Sunday night. Photo: Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team (SLCOSAR) was called out for two stranded skiers on the West Slabs of Mount Olympus on Sunday evening.

“The skiers were in good health and spirits, but we’re experiencing a few different issues,” SLCOSAR said in a post. “Firstly, they were having some technical difficulties with their gear. Secondly, they had discontinued downward movement since the couloir they were in had frozen over due to lack of sunlight and dropping temps.”

Three teams were deployed, and once they found the patients, they created a series of lowering systems to safely extricate them from the steep couloir they were stuck in.

Everyone was off the mountain by 1 am early Monday morning.

SLCOSAR noted two things:

• Trail conditions change drastically between day and night during these winter months. Areas that may seem passible during daylight hours can become treacherous once the sun goes down and the temperature in the alpine drops.
• When in doubt, call for help. Remember, our direct line is 911. Asking for help is always the right answer.