Overview
- An SOS from near the Goodwin Greene Hut came in around 9:40 p.m. Sunday for two members of a seven-person group who could not reach the hut.
- Mountain Rescue Aspen mobilized snowmobile teams and coordinated with CareFlight of the Rockies for an aerial response.
- The helicopter twice aborted due to weather before landing on the third try and locating two hypothermic skiers, including one who was non-responsive and in critical condition.
- Both patients were flown to Aspen Valley Health for treatment as official readings showed airport windchills down to minus 24°F and mountain temperatures near minus 22°F.
- CareFlight later retrieved an MRA member left behind because of aircraft space limits, and county officials urged backcountry travelers to prepare for rapidly changing conditions.