Teen who got lost while snowmobiling rescued after spending night in self-built snow cave

A 17-year-old snowmobiler in BC’s Cariboo region is being commended by search crews for the actions he took after getting separated from his group and becoming lost overnight this past weekend.

According to South Cariboo Search and Rescue, the incident took place on Saturday.

“After multiple failed attempts to get back out of the area, the way he got into it and not knowing the terrain and area, he parked his sled in a wide open area, walked over to a nearby treed area and built himself an incredible snow cave to spend the night,” said South Cariboo SAR on Facebook. “When our team members came across him he was in the shelter with food and water.”

South Cariboo SAR said the teen’s actions – primarily the decision to stay in place –combined with the fact he had some winter survival knowledge, made “our task a little less difficult. The actions of everyone involved was spot on for leading to a successful outcome.”

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In light of this incident, South Cariboo SAR is reminding all backcountry users “to be prepared for similar and unexpected situations as staying the night can happen just that quickly. Be prepared, get the knowledge and have a great time in backcountry.”