Helicopter Rescue Team Saves Two Stranded Skiers

The Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team airlifted the skiers from a steep ledge in the backcountry.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, white, and blue, with a small helicopter silhouette barely visible in the distance, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.A dramatic helicopter rescue operation against the backdrop of Washington state's rugged, snow-capped backcountry.Snohomish Today

The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office reported that two 25-year-old skiers were stranded in steep terrain above Cascade Pass in Washington state, at risk of falling. The Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team launched a rescue mission, eventually hoisting the skiers to safety by helicopter.

Why it matters

This rescue highlights the importance of having emergency communication devices and the vital role of volunteer search and rescue teams in providing life-saving assistance to outdoor enthusiasts who find themselves in perilous situations in remote backcountry areas.

The details

According to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, the skiers were on the Ptarmigan Traverse, a challenging 35-mile-plus route, when they became stranded on a steep edge. They sent several SOS messages saying they were trapped, increasingly cold, fatigued, and distressed. The Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team launched SnoHawk 10 to conduct the rescue, eventually hoisting the pair to safety by helicopter.

  • The incident occurred in early April 2026.
  • The rescue mission was launched shortly after the skiers sent their SOS messages.

The players

Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team

A volunteer search and rescue team that provides helicopter-based emergency response services across 13 counties in Washington state.

Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue

A non-profit organization that operates the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team and other search and rescue services in the region.

Snohomish County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that coordinated the rescue response and provided details about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“A big thank you to the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team and Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue for their professionalism, skill, and swift response in safely completing this mission and helping bring these individuals to safety.”

— Snohomish County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team will continue to provide emergency response services to outdoor enthusiasts in the region, ready to launch rescue missions as needed.

The takeaway

This rescue operation underscores the vital role that volunteer search and rescue teams play in keeping backcountry adventurers safe, and the importance of having emergency communication devices when venturing into remote areas.