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Stranded skiers rescued from Aspen backcountry

Staff report

Four skiers stranded out of bounds off Aspen Mountain were brought to safety Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

The male skiers, ages 18, 19, 22 and 49, found themselves unable to move after exiting Aspen Mountain underneath a ski boundary rope at the bottom of Walsh’s, an expert run off the mountain’s east side. None of the skiers were equipped for backcountry skiing, according to a statement from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities received a call at approximately 1 p.m. that “the skiers were stuck in deep snow and unable to hike back up to the ski area boundary,” according to the statement.



The skiers, visiting from Georgia and New York, were located by members of Aspen Mountain Ski Patrol. Everyone was out of the field by 4:45 p.m., the statement said.

“The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and the Aspen Mountain Ski Patrol would like remind everyone the importance of being aware of your surroundings,” the statement said. “Ski area boundaries are clearly marked for skier safety, and everyone should be prepared for the unexpected when travelling in the backcountry.”