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Rescue Team Saves Two Stranded Skiers on Oregon’s South Sister
Two young men from Salt Lake City were rescued from South Sister Mountain near Bend Oregon after a perilous ordeal. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team found the skiers aged 19 and 20 stranded with one injured on the 10358-foot peak. The dramatic effort per KATU unfolded Tuesday afternoon showcasing bravery and skill in harsh conditions.
The skiers set out to tackle South Sister the third-highest mountain in Oregon known for its rugged beauty. A call for help reached authorities when one suffered an injury leaving them unable to descend. Phone contact failed forcing rescuers to act fast as daylight waned.
An AirLink helicopter flew the team to the mountain’s upper reaches by late afternoon. Spotting the pair at 512 pm they reached them soon after amid treacherous snow and rock. The injured skier received care on-site before a delicate extraction from the steep terrain.
South Sister draws adventurers year-round but its challenges can catch even experienced climbers off guard. Winter conditions amplify risks with icy slopes and sudden weather shifts. The Utah duo’s predicament underscores the need for preparation in such wild spaces.
Sheriff’s officials praised the rescue crew’s swift coordination with AirLink’s aerial support. Volunteers and professionals worked seamlessly to bring the men to safety unharmed beyond the initial injury. Both were later evaluated at a hospital in Bend for full recovery.
The operation highlights Oregon’s robust search and rescue network ready for emergencies in remote areas. Deschutes County relies on such teams to protect residents and visitors drawn to its peaks. Their success averted what could have been a tragic outcome.
The rescued skiers expressed gratitude for the lifeline thrown by strangers in a dire moment. Their story has sparked online chatter about safety in outdoor pursuits. Some call for better education on risks before tackling mountains like South Sister.
Central Oregon’s allure keeps growing with its natural wonders but incidents like this temper the thrill. Authorities urge caution as more seek adventure in the Cascades. The rescue stands as a testament to human resolve against nature’s unpredictability.
Coverage Details
| Total News Sources | 17 |
| Left | 5 |
| Right | 4 |
| Center | 6 |
| Unrated | 2 |
| Bias Distribution | 35% Center |
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