A young man got more than he bargained for when he ventured into the backcountry near Big White on Wednesday.
He was reported missing shortly after 8 p.m. and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue began their search.
Kelowna Snowmobile Club volunteers also assisted, as a number of crews scoured the area for any sign of the missing skier.
His tracks were found north of the ski area near Two John Road and rescuers followed them into a tributary of the West Kettle River, where contact with the man was made around 2 a.m.
"The subject was in good condition but was cold and very tired, so the decision was made to hunker down and spend the night," said COSAR search manager Dave Crawford.
Search crews lit a fire and remained with the subject until this morning and a helicopter rescue was performed when daylight first hit.
The winch rescue team Air Rescue One from Vernon Search and Rescue, along with Wildcat Helicopters, are assisting with the task.
Crawford said it was a long tough night for search teams in the field and COSAR is very grateful for the assistance of the Kelowna Snowmobile Club and Big White Ski Patrol.
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