On Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 4:52 p.m. the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call from a snowmobile group requesting assistance. Two snowmobiles had become hopelessly stuck and the riders were attempting to walk out the Big Sky Trail, 12 miles north of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone and Custer Gallatin National Forest Service responded to assist with the search.

Volunteers located the snowmobilers who were cold and tired but in otherwise good health. After freeing one of the stuck snowmobiles, volunteers escorted the pair safely back to West Yellowstone.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the snowmobilers for carrying a reliable means of communication and for recognizing their need for assistance early, allowing volunteers to get to them quickly and safely.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.