LBSAR Responds to Stranded Trail Runners on The Lions

Lions Bay Search and Rescue was dispatched on May 5 for two stranded trail runners below the West Lion in steep, technical terrain along the Howe Sound Crest Trail.

An initial helicopter attempt to access the subjects was unsuccessful due to a very low cloud ceiling, rain, and rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. With heli access no longer possible, LBSAR members transitioned to a ground-based mountain rescue operation.

At approximately 1:00 a.m., rescuers made voice contact with the stranded runners. Over the next several hours, members navigated difficult terrain, establishing fixed lines and technical traverses to safely reach and secure the subjects. Once accessed, the runners were harnessed and moved through exposed terrain back toward the Howe Sound Crest Trail ridge.

A second helicopter extraction attempt was later made, however worsening weather and  rain once again prevented any aerial extraction.

Before beginning the long descent out of the alpine, the team took a short pause to warm up, regroup, and prepare for the continued overnight operation.

Rescuers and subjects finally arrived back in Lions Bay at approximately 9:30 a.m. the following morning.

This incident serves as another important reminder that the Howe Sound Crest Trail remains under full winter conditions and is not suitable for unprepared travel in trail runners. The trail is commonly considered closed during the winter season due to snow, ice, exposure, and hazardous terrain.

Anyone attempting this route should be properly equipped and experienced for winter mountain travel, including carrying:

Mountaineering boots Crampons Ice axe Warm insulating layers Emergency overnight gear Navigation and communication equipment

Before heading into the backcountry, hikers are encouraged to research current conditions and review trip planning resources through AdventureSmart.