12/26 Injured Skier, Pacific Crest Trail off Lolo Pass.

In the early evening of December 26th, PNW got a call for a packout of an injured skier on the Pacific Crest Trail off of Lolo Pass road.  Due to the steep terrain, the ropes team was requested to bring their equipment.  13 PNW members responded to base at Zig Zag Ranger station for further deployment up the snow and ice covered road.

A combination of PNW vehicles and Mt. Wave vehicles transported the team up to a spot that was relatively close to the subject's location.  While the distance was not terribly far, the steep terrain and dense underbrush made the insertion of the team and extracation of the subject difficult.  Handlines were deployed to aid responders in reaching the subject, and ropes were needed to lower the subject after he was secured  for transportation.

Fortunately the weather cooperated on a cold night of bushwhacking up a hill to an injured subject.  Thank you to fine communications and transportation provided by Mt. Wave, and thanks to all who responded on the annual day after Christmas rescue.