Unconscious skier rescued from Vancouver Island mountain

Search and rescue teams successfully pulled a seriously injured skier from a British Columbia mountain over the weekend.

The critical rescue took place Saturday at Mount Cain, a non-profit organization on northern Vancouver Island, Comox Valley Search and Rescue said in a social media post.

The skier, 35, had suffered a “serious” fall on a steep slope in the West Bowl and was found unconscious, rescuers said.

“Although the incident occurred outside the ski boundaries, the dedicated patrol team at Mt. Cain took immediate action, initiating rescue efforts and preparing for air assistance,” the post reads.

CVSR members traveled to the site by helicopter, while mountain personnel prepared a landing zone. When crews arrived, the skier had been partially stabilized by a medic and local ski patrol.

The team airlifted the skier to the parking lot, where he was picked up by paramedics.

“This mission demonstrated the incredible collaboration between Mt. Cain Patrol, BCEHS, 49 North Helicopters and Ascent Helicopters. Many thanks to everyone involved for their skill, speed and teamwork that made this challenging rescue possible,” the post reads.

“Stay safe, venture responsibly and always be prepared!”