Whatcom County, Wash. — The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement regarding the volunteer effort that resulted in the rescue of a backcountry skier on January 1, 2025.
On the first day of 2025, Search and Rescue (SAR) responders started the New Year on a high note, once again proving their mettle in fierce conditions.
KUDOS to all the brave souls who worked 14 hours to locate and rescue an overdue backcountry skier who’d become separated from his partner. Mount Baker Ski Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine support partnered to find the 34-year-old skier in a drainage area, considered too treacherous to attempt a ground rescue.
While seeking a hoist-equipped helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard, CBP air-dropped an overnight kit with food, shelter and a radio to the skier, which was fortuitous as it became too dark and difficult to see to attempt a nighttime air rescue. The next morning, SAR’s Bellingham Mountain Rescue began navigating the hazardous terrain – which included an avalanche risk, open creeks and waterfalls – and successfully reached and rescued the skier.
– Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (January 6, 2025)
Scene from a 14-hour rescue effort (January 1, 2025). Photo: Bellingham Mountain Rescue (WCSAR) 
Scene from a 14-hour rescue effort (January 1, 2025). Photo: Bellingham Mountain Rescue (WCSAR) 
Scene from a 14-hour rescue effort (January 1, 2025). Photo: Bellingham Mountain Rescue (WCSAR) 
Scene from a 14-hour rescue effort (January 1, 2025). Photo: Bellingham Mountain Rescue (WCSAR) 
Scene from a 14-hour rescue effort (January 1, 2025). Photo: Bellingham Mountain Rescue (WCSAR) 
Scene from a 14-hour rescue effort (January 1, 2025). Photo: Bellingham Mountain Rescue (WCSAR) 
Scene from a 14-hour rescue effort (January 1, 2025). Photo: Bellingham Mountain Rescue (WCSAR)
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While active duty at NAS Whidbey Island back in the winter of 1995/1996, my co-worker and I went camping along the far northern tip of Baker Lake. It snowed multiple feet overnight, preventing us from leaving. When we were overdue getting home the following day, WCSO and SAR were notified. That SAR crew spent over 30 hours searching for us in heavy snow, blowing winds, fallen trees, and freezing temperatures before finding us sleeping in my truck at 1AM.
Every volunteer/worker involved in my and every rescue event in the world deserve the highest praise. They will forever have my gratitude!