Missing snowboarder rescued, charged with underage possession

A Montana snowboarder is likely experiencing one hell of a hangover this week after he had to be rescued from the backcountry near the Great Divide Ski Area only to be charged with underage possession of alcohol when rescue crews arrived, according to KTVH.

Tristan Colwell — a 20-year-old snowboarder from Helena, Montana — got disoriented and went missing Tuesday afternoon in the backcountry by Great Divide.

great divide ski area — While not a particularly well known ski area outside of Montana, Great Divide does offer 1,600 skiable acres, more than enough area to get lost in. Photo: Courtesy of Great Divide

According to the Helena Independent Record, ski patrol originally began searching for Colwell on foot, but upon realizing darkness was quickly approaching, called for the Lewis and Clark County Search and Rescue team to assist them around 3:30 p.m.

At around 4:30 p.m. a member of the ski patrol found Colwell, who was 2 to 3 miles away from the ski area. Colwell had abandoned his snowboard and was sitting under a tree on a nearby road in an attempt to stay warm.

Rescuers say Colwell was cold, but not hypothermic when they found him.

Remember, don't drink and head into the backcountry. Photo: Courtesy of Don LaVange/Flickr — Remember, don’t drink and head into the backcountry. Photo: Courtesy of Don LaVange/Flickr

While interviewing Colwell, law enforcement officials detected a strong scent of alcohol on him, and charged him with underage possession.

Still, despite the citation, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton did praise Colwell for keeping his cool in the backcountry.

“He was intoxicated and off on the wrong trail, but I give him credit because he did not lose his sense of survival,” Dutton said.