BY KAREN BOSSICK
An injured skier was rescued off Hyndman Peak this week.
Ketchum and Sun Valley Fire Departments responded to a call to rescue a skier who had been injured on the slopes of Hyndman Peak near the Pioneer Yurt on Feb. 25.
A paramedic from the Ketchum Fire Department flew to the scene in a helicopter provided by Sun Valley Heli-Ski. The helicopter was able to land near the skier and extract her without incident.
The incident, which took place on Feb. 25, is the third backcountry rescue Sun Valley Heli-Ski has assisted on this season. The Blaine County Ambulance District has a call-when-needed contract with the company.
“The availability of the helicopter really helps keep our rescuers safe,” said City of Ketchum Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin. “We can get in and get the victim out much more quickly than we can on foot.”
Officials warn that more ski injuries than usual have occurred this season due to infrequent snowfall and firm conditions.