Skiers rescued after falling in Whistler-area creek in -50°C windchill

Two skiers are lucky to be alive after falling into a Whistler-area creek while ski-touring during the bitter cold Thursday.

According to North Shore Rescue, the two skiers came too far down and got stuck in the Fitzsimmons Creek gully, near Blackcomb Mountain.

NSR says it had to use “special attention” to avoid the Peak 2 Peak gondola cables, “which are impossible to see at night.” Two rescuers were hoisted down from the Talon helicopter and were able to get the two skiers to safety. According to the search and rescue team, both were hypothermic and had frozen feet.

“With windchill, temps were around -50°C. It is unlikely the skiers would have survived the night,” the group said on Facebook.

The rescue comes as B.C.’s South Coast is in the midst of an arctic outflow warning, with frigid temperatures expected through Sunday.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a warning for the outflow, explaining the risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to the bitter cold temperatures.

“Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any skin exposure will result in frostbite. If outside, dress warmly in layers and stay dry. Cover as much exposed skin as possible to avoid frostbite,” the weather service said.

Much of the province is under an outflow or extreme weather warning, with other parts of Northern B.C. and the Interior expected to have temperatures feel as cold as -55°.