Aspen Mountain Rescue Team Saves Two Skiers

As I stand at the base of Aspen Mountain, the snow-capped peaks stretch out before me, a breathtaking backdrop for the daring rescues that unfolded over the weekend. The sound of skiers whooshing down the slopes, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the faint scent of pine wafting through the air all blend together to create a feeling of awe and respect for the mountain and its power. But for two backcountry skiers, the thrill of exploring the uncharted terrain turned into a desperate cry for help, and it was the swift and skilled response of Mountain Rescue Aspen that made all the difference.

On Saturday, a medical SOS reached the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center at approximately 9:45 a.m. from Mace Peak in the Elk Range. Parker Lathrop, the chief deputy of operations for the Pitkin County Sheriff, confirmed that the injury was to a lower extremity, and the patient was unable to move under their own power. The injured skier was one of a party of four, and as the call was forwarded to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, urgency settled over the rescue team. Four members of Mountain Rescue Aspen were already skiing in the area and were able to arrive on scene as the SOS was being sent, a stroke of luck that would prove crucial in the hours that followed.

As the Mountain Rescue Aspen command contacted Flight for Life and assembled more teams, including tracked ATVs and additional skiers, the complexity of the rescue operation became clear. The peak's location near Tagert Hut allowed the team to retrieve an emergency sled, which they used to evacuate the skier to a selected landing zone. The sound of the helicopter blades cutting through the air, the rush of the wind, and the sight of the rescue team working in tandem all combined to create an atmosphere of precision and purpose. The skier was eventually evacuated via Flight for Life and transferred to Aspen Valley Health for further care, with the rescue team's skill and dedication on full display as they worked to save the injured skier.

But the weekend's rescue efforts were far from over. On Sunday, a second medical SOS was received from the Lindley Hut area, reporting a knee injury to one member of a party. The call was forwarded to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, which notified Mountain Rescue Aspen that a backcountry rescue would be necessary. Three members of Mountain Rescue Aspen were skiing in the area and were able to communicate directly with the party, expediting the rescue efforts. The injured skier and the rest of their party were able to begin "self-extricating," helping to facilitate the rescue. The Mountain Rescue Aspen team was able to retrieve an emergency sled from the Lindley Hut and evacuate the patient from the field, a remarkable feat that underscored the team's expertise and training. As the rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate the injured skiers, the community came together to express its gratitude for the bravery and selflessness of Mountain Rescue Aspen. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office thanked the dedicated, all-volunteer team for their continued service, reminding backcountry skiers to always be prepared and carry a satellite communication device for emergencies. The warning is timely, as the spring season brings its own set of hazards, with snow coverage inconsistent and things melting out. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees, the sight of the snow-covered peaks, and the smell of the pine all serve as a reminder of the beauty and the danger that exists in this unforgiving terrain.

As I look out at the mountain, I'm struck by the realization that the work of Mountain Rescue Aspen is not just about responding to emergencies, but about educating the community on how to navigate the risks and challenges of backcountry skiing. The team's dedication to their craft is inspiring, and their commitment to the community is a reminder that, even in the most remote and rugged terrain, there are still people who care deeply about the well-being of others. The image of the rescue team working together, their faces set with determination, their movements swift and precise, is one that will stay with me long after I leave this mountain behind.