Backcountry Rescue Leads to Advice for All New York Parents

Emergency responders are sending a clear message to parents after an 8-year-old boy and his father were found after a nighttime backcountry rescue operation just miles from the New York State line.

While snow has come and gone in the Hudson Valley this season, conditions are currently more serious further north, with large accumulations not only providing exciting skiing conditions, but also setting the stage for dramatic rescues.

Young Child and Father Stranded After Backcountry Ski Trip

Stowe Mountain Rescue (SMR) shared that the mother of the young child became worried when both her husband and son hadn't returned from a backcountry ski outing after nightfall. Luckily, the son had a very special device to help rescue workers.

GPS Tracker Helps Backcountry Rescue

"The star of the show in last night’s rescue was a small wearable GPS tracker called a Jiobit", SMR said on Facebook (below). The tracker allowed first responders to see live updates on the exact location of the child and his father, but that wasn't the only thing rescuers say both parents and children should have while exploring. 

Advice for All Parents and Kids Participating in Winter Sports

"For fear of stating the obvious, if you’re skiing with your kid in the backcountry, pack a couple of headlamps", SMR reminded parents. They also made sure to include the fact that while many kids might have been scared during the ordeal, the rescued 8-year-old was "totally resilient, cheerful and unfazed".

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Commenters praised both the resiliency of the child as well as the quick and professional work by Stowe Mountain Rescue. The rescue organization was founded in 1980 with a focus on backcountry rescues and wilderness searches.