STOWE, Vt. (WCAX) – Skiers venturing off the trail and getting stuck is a growing trend that Stowe Mountain Resort blames on social media and poor decision-making.
Their Mount Mansfield ski patrol team says they’ve had to track down more wayward skiers lately. Sometimes, Stowe Mountain Rescue is called in to help.
Many ventured off the trail because they saw fresh powder or tracks leading to intriguing terrain.
The resort patrol director says others hunt down lines they saw online.
“It’s easy to get sucked down into a stream bed or go over a knoll and get into some topography where you just can’t get back to the ski area, or you don’t know where to make the proper turn to get yourself back. And that’s when people really get in trouble,” said Karen Wagner.
She adds that this time of year, there’s less snowpack to cushion you lower on the mountain. It’s all the more reason to avoid the areas where you don’t know what to expect.
“Certainly, this has been a growing trend over the years. You know, social media can make terrain that’s difficult look easy, and folks don’t know the risks involved,” said Wagner.
She warns that if you don’t know where you’re going, don’t go.
If you leave the trail, bring a buddy and a fully charged phone and prepare for the worst.
