Image: RMSAR

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Rescue effort

RMSAR, partners rescue 4 hikers who were stranded for 4 days amid avalanche conditions at Golden Ears

Jan 14, 2026 | 10:35 AM

GOLDEN EARS, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Search and rescue crews from Maple Ridge and Coquitlam successfully rescued four hikers who were stranded for four days in dangerous avalanche conditions in the alpine of Golden Ears, northwest of Mission.

Ridge Meadows SAR (RMSAR) says it managed to extract the group of hikers Tuesday afternoon (January 13) with help from Coquitlam SAR and Talon Helicopters, following multiple rescue attempts as they waited for weather to improve since Saturday.

RMSAR says the group of hikers ascended Golden Ears, located northwest of Mission, on Saturday during clear weather but were later overtaken by a storm that brought whiteout conditions. They were prepared to spend the night and managed to make their way to the emergency shelter on Panorama Ridge. They put out a call for help using Apple SOS and RMSAR soon were activated Saturday evening.

Image: RMSAR

The search agency says weather was too poor to attempt a rescue by air and the avalanche danger was too high for ground teams to head in by foot, RMSAR. Once they were assured safe in the shelter, RMSAR waited until Sunday morning to try to access them by helicopter. A helicopter rescue team was able to get within a few hundred meters of their location, but unfortunately not close enough to safely access the group. Another attempt was made Monday, but weather worsened. The group had also ran out of food and other supplies by Monday evening.

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Due to a break in weather on Tuesday, RMSAR was afforded an opportunity to reach the shelter by helicopter. A Coquitlam SAR/RMSAR helicopter rescue team was utilized in case a hoist was needed for extraction. However, conditions had improved enough that Talon Helicopters was able to land next to the shelter.

The group was weary and hungry, but otherwise in good shape, RMSAR said. They were flown out to Pitt Meadows Airport where they were met by family.

Image: RMSAR

“A couple key lessons from this incident,” RMSAR said. “Always expect weather to change rapidly in the mountains. Always be prepared to spend the night in an emergency. Always check avalanche conditions before heading out into avalanche terrain. Always have the equipment and training to navigate or avoid avalanche terrain.”

RMSAR says the group of stranded hikers was well prepared and had a shelter to protect them. Without it, the outcome may have been different, it added.