Update: Missing snowboarder located after 28 hours in the Revelstoke backcountry

A snowboarder who went missing near Revelstoke Mountain Resort is doing OK after spending 28 hours in the backcountry near the resort.

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Feb 23, 2016
A helicopter at the Revelstoke Airport. Photo: Revelstoke Mountaineer file photo

About 90 minutes after issuing a media release about the ongoing search for snowboarder Chirag Patel, who was missing after leaving the Revelstoke Mountain Resort boundary inadequately prepared, Revelstoke RCMP have confirmed that the 36-year-old was located at the resort. Here’s an update in the form of a RCMP media release sent Tuesday afternoon:

At 4:25 pm on Tuesday February 23, 2016 the missing male, Chirag PATEL was located on a ski run on Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) by Ski Patrol. The male was without skis or a snowboard and was confirmed to be the missing male. The male was unharmed having spent over 28 hours in the backcountry without appropriate equipment.
The Revelstoke RCMP wish to thank the massive efforts made by Revelstoke Search and Rescue, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and the pilot and team from Arrow Helicopters who searched for Mr. Patel throughout the day, and through very risky conditions. It is through many hours of volunteer efforts that users of the back-country are frequently saved. These people risk their lives to assist others.
A reminder is further sent out to all users of the backcountry, whether skiing, snowboarding or sledding, the importance of being prepared for any conditions. Those who do not have proper safety equipment, supplies and training should avoid entering un-patrolled areas. It is recommended to always travel in groups, create and abide by plans and share those plans with others who can notify emergency personnel to conduct a search and rescue.

Earlier:

Developing: Revelstoke Search & Rescue is looking for a missing snowboarder who ventured out of bounds at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Here is their initial media release. Here is the RCMP media release. More to come…

Missing Male out of bounds at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

At approximately 9 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 the Revelstoke RCMP Detachment received a call for assistance regarding a male who was reported as missing after having gone snowboarding at Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) for the day. The missing male last made contact with a friend at approximately noon on Monday, and the conversation suggested that the missing male was skiing on the south side of RMR.

The missing male, Chirag Patel, is 36 years of age and from Ontario. Police confirmed with friends that the missing male has yet not returned and have also confirmed that Mr. Patel’s rental vehicle is still present in the RMR parking lot. It is believed that Mr. Patel had no avalanche equipment with him, nor food or water. It is further believed that Mr. Patel was skiing out of bounds.

Revelstoke Search and Rescue (SAR) was activated shortly after the call for the missing male was received, however with no ability to fly at night and avalanche conditions rated at considerable, they were unable to commence the search until first light on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Revelstoke SAR has been on site flying with a helicopter team since approximately 7 a.m., focusing their efforts on the area of Montana Creek.

Searchers are currently working down the Montana Creek area, and have located Mr. Patel’s snowboard. Further searchers were long lined by helicopter into the area to ski the area to locate Mr. Patel. The search will continue on ground and by air.

If anyone has information regarding Mr. Chirag Patel they are encouraged to contact the Revelstoke RCMP at 250-837-5255 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

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Revelstoke Mountaineer staff

This post was published by a member of the Revelstoke Mountaineer staff. Stories published under the staff byline include news briefs, stories that consist mostly of media releases, social media post shares, and stories by contributors with the author’s name listed in the body of the story.

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