Rescue crews are warning that TikTok videos are to blame for “unprecedented” numbers of lost skiers in backcountry terrain around Stowe, Vermont.
Stowe Mountain Rescue recently posted on their Facebook page a warning about inexperienced backcountry skiers and riders being drawn into the backcountry by TikTok videos and then needing to be rescued.
“…TikTok videos of whooping skiers in knee-deep powder are luring inexperienced skiers and riders into Stowe’s backcountry at a time of year when the snow pack is unreliable,” stated the Stowe Mountain Rescue Facebook post. “Mt Mansfield Ski Patrol is currently plagued by unprecedented numbers of lost skiers in backcountry terrain accessible from the [Stowe Mountain Resort]. Our team has been called in to help several times and at least one of the skiing parties we rescued quoted TikTok as their inspiration.”
Rescuers said another problem they’re encountering are skiers following other people’s ski tracks, taking them past the ski boundary at Stowe Resort and into sidecountry from which they can’t regain access back to the resort.
Rescuers warn skiers and riders not to follow videos or ski tracks blindly, and people should do a risk assessment before moving forward. Consider where will a path will take you, if it’s safe, how you will get out, and how long that will take. If you don’t know the answers to those questions, don’t go.
“Accidents will happen in the backcountry and we’ll always gladly respond,” stated the post, “but this wave of lost skiers is largely the result of impulsive behavior which is entirely preventable.”
Rescuers said the simplest solution is to stay in-bounds at the resort and pay attention to and respect the ski boundary signs.
