Out-of-bounds snowboarder rescued after sliding 100 metres, getting stuck off Cypress Mountain

Search and rescue crews came to the aid of an out-of-bounds snowboarder who got stuck in a tree well off West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain late Tuesday afternoon. (North Shore Rescue)

Search and rescue crews came to the aid of an out-of-bounds snowboarder who got stuck in a tree well off West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain late Tuesday afternoon.

“This snowboarder had decided to duck the boundary rope, and a little further (down) the slope, had stopped to take off her board,” reads a social media post from North Shore Rescue on Wednesday.

NSR added that the snowboarder then slipped and slid more than 100 metres down the slope.

“Miraculously, she did not hit anything of consequence on the slide and only came to rest after becoming entangled in a tree root,” NSR said.

Fortunately, she was not injured.

Cypress patrol members were able to reach the snowboarder, but had to call NSR for help getting her out.

“Members responded with rope rescue, avalanche, and winter travel gear,” NSR said. “Once in the area, they set up a full rope rescue/haul system, and a member rappelled down.”

They then secured the snowboarder in a harness, attached her to the rope system, and hauled her back to safety.

“It is worth noting that, even with the recent snowfall, many snow surfaces are hard-packed and extremely slippery,” NSR said.

NSR thanked Cypress patrol members and lift operators for their support, including prioritizing access for responding search and rescue personnel, and assisting with logistics at the scene.