On January 22, 2025, at 11:31 pm, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a call from an individual out riding with two other snowmobilers. The group had become stuck, abandoned their snowmobiles, and were requesting rescue. The three snowmobilers were 11 miles north of West Yellowstone, MT near Tepee Creek.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone Team, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the request for aid. It was determined the best and most efficient way for responders to assist would be to meet them on snowmobiles. GCSSAR volunteers deployed and located the group not far from the main Big Sky Trail. The group was transported by GCSSAR from the main trail to their vehicle located at a parking lot north of West Yellowstone.
Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind snowmobilers the vast and mountainous terrain in Gallatin County offers unique experiences and difficulties not found in other locations around the country. Sheriff Springer would also like to remind snowmobilers to always have means of communication and a contingency plan should one find themselves stuck after dark with temperatures dropping rapidly.
