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Missing snowmobilers have been found, says Whistler RCMP

Nine sledders spent overnight in backcountry after weather conditions worsened
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Three separate groups of sledders are currently unaccounted for after a weekend backcountry trip near Brandywine. shutterstock.com

NIne snowmobilers who spent the night in the backcountry near Brandywine Mountain have been located, confirmed the Whistler RCMP.

"The sledders are cold and hungry but otherwise OK," said police in a release. "The Whistler RCMP wish to thank Whistler Search and Rescue, family, friends and the community for their assistance in ensuring these folks made it out safe.

Whistler RCMP was first notified Sunday night, March 1 that several snowmobilers had not returned home or made contact with family and friends as planned. Investigators eventually confirmed that the overdue snowmobilers’ vehicles were still parked at a nearby lot.

Weather conditions near Brandywine “quickly changed to zero visibility” on Sunday afternoon, police said, which “appears to have affected the ability for the sledders to return to their vehicles,” according to the release.

Nine snowmobilers belonging to three separate groups were initially unaccounted for. Friends and family of the sledders told Mounties that the groups are “knowledgeable" and were "prepared to spend time in the backcountry if required.”

The search for the sledders kicked off Monday afternoon once visibility improved.