Snowboarder Billed For Rescue Costs

A Tacoma man who got lost during a snowboarding competition at Mount Baker Ski Area has been billed $850 to cover the cost of his rescue.

John M. Schneider, 23, who left the ski area’s boundaries Jan. 28, was rescued the following morning.

Schneider was able to follow a drainage downhill to a parking lot in 5-degree temperature.

Ski patrol members followed his tracks until the terrain became too steep, and then Bellingham Mountain Rescue volunteers took over. They found him about 5 a.m., cold and tired.

The ski area doesn’t bill people for rescues when they stay inside the boundaries. But when they go outside and can’t get back, they pick up the tab, Howat said.