Photo courtesy of Vernon Search and Rescue / Facebook

By Liam Verster

Slid 200 Feet, Fractured Leg

Climber who slid 200 feet down a mountain rescued thanks to Vernon Search and Rescue

Jun 9, 2025 | 11:46 AM

An injured climber in the Pinnacle Mountains was rescued with the assistance of Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR).

The rescue agency said in a social media post that the climber was in a group with two other people and a dog on a steep alpine slope on Mt. Severide Sunday, June 8, when the snow beneath the one climber gave way, and they slid about 200 feet down the slope.

VSAR said the experienced climbers recognized that the person had fractured their leg and was in trouble, and sent out an SOS through their GPS communication device.

“Vernon Search and Rescue volunteers were mobilized. The VSAR helicopter winch team members responded, and a ground team was sent out as well to make their approach up the mountain roads and trails,” VSAR said in the post.

“Reaching the subject first, the heli-winch rescue team was able to stabilize the subject, transport the remaining group members to the trailhead below, and return to pick up the subject for direct transportation to a waiting ambulance at the Vernon airport.”

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The ground team returned to the base of the mountain without having to climb the roughly six-hour hike to the accident site.

VSAR noted the rescue was made possible through coordinated efforts by the RCMP, B.C. Emergency Health Services, Search and Rescue Volunteers, and Air Rescue One Heli Winch Society.

The search and rescue group reminded Okanagan residents and visitors that wilderness conditions differ between the mountain peaks and valley bottoms. It advised people recreating outdoors be safe by having experienced members in their party; being prepared for changing conditions or accidents; and carrying backups of critical gear including emergency GPS communication devices.