Crews rescue unconscious snowboarder after fall on Vancouver Island mountain

Rescue crews are pictured on B.C.'s Mount Cain on Saturday, Jan. 11. (Courtesy: Comox Valley Search and Rescue/Facebook) (Comox Valley Search and Rescue/Facebook)

Search and rescue crews successfully extracted a seriously injured snowboarder off a B.C. mountain over the weekend.

The critical rescue took place on the non-profit-run Mount Cain on northern Vancouver Island Saturday, Comox Valley Search and Rescue said in a social media post.

The snowboarder, age 35, had taken a “serious” fall on a steep slope on the West Bowl and was found unconscious, rescuers said.

“Although the incident occurred outside ski boundaries, the dedicated patrol team at Mt. Cain took immediate action, initiating rescue efforts and preparing for air assistance,” the post reads.

CVSR members travelled to the scene in helicopters, while mountain staff prepared a landing zone. When crews arrived, the snowboarder had been partially stabilized by an on-site doctor and ski patrol.

The team airlifted the individual to the parking lot, where he was picked up by paramedics.

“This mission demonstrated the incredible collaboration between Mt. Cain patrol, BCEHS, 49 North Helicopters, and Ascent Helicopters. A huge thank you to everyone involved for your skill, speed, and teamwork that made this challenging rescue possible,” the post reads.

“Stay safe, adventure responsibly, and always be prepared!”