Woman rescued after ‘bum sliding’ down West Vancouver mountain and fracturing ankle

A woman was rescued by North Shore Rescue on Saturday after she fractured her ankle while "bum sliding" down a West Vancouver mountain. (Courtesy: North Shore Rescue)

Hikers are being warned of the dangers of using “bum sliding” as a means to descend mountains after the seemingly fun and safer mode of travel landed one woman in hospital.

Just before 4 p.m. on Saturday, North Shore Rescue were called to the Hollyburn hiking trail on Cypress Mountain to assist a woman with a severely fractured ankle, said shift manager Don Jardine.

The woman, who had been well prepared with shoes with microspikes on while hiking the West Vancouver mountain with her partner, was sliding down the hill while seated when her foot got stuck in a hole. As the momentum continued to propel her upper body forward, her ankle snapped.

“When we arrived we planted her leg, which relieved a lot of the pain. Otherwise it was pretty unsupported, honestly she was quite a trooper to keep from passing out from the pain,” said Jardine.

Six North Shore Rescue crew members carried the woman down the mountain via toboggan, to where a snowcat vehicle sent by the ski resort was waiting.

“We got to her out about 8:30 p.m., so she had been there for about five hours in total before she was able to be transported to the hospital,” said Jardine.

While sliding down a steep hill on your backside might seem like the safest route to descend, Jardine says there are many hidden dangers that can make it far riskier than hikers expect.

“You’re warned on bigger mountains with glaciers not to do it because there have been fatalities from people going too fast and losing control,” he said.

During times when there is less snow, as is the case with the smaller, local mountains at the moment, hidden holes created unexpected danger, he said.

“Especially if you're sliding with your microspikes on, or anything on your feet that gives you traction. They do dig in, and that’s going to stop you immediately if they get stuck in the snow,” he said.

“Your body will still be carrying a lot of momentum, carrying you forward and likely giving you a bad injury.”

The injury experienced by the woman is the most common one seen by rescue teams, said Jardine, with this case being particularly severe.

The safer alternative, he recommends, is walking with microspikes on shoes – carefully and slowly.

“You don't necessarily need snow shoes because they're for floatation and the snow, they’re not for traction. You really shouldn't be going downhill on steep terrain with them on,” he said.

“The other good thing is to have a couple of good hiking poles with you, because they help you retain balance, and stop you from sliding.”

Touching wood, Jardine says rescue teams have been relatively inactive in recent weeks. He notes only one call over the Christmas period, from a man who accidentally triggered an emergency call with his Apple Watch.

To ensure callouts remain to a minimum, and hikers remain safe, Jardine recommends sticking to marked trails, checking the weather conditions beforehand, and setting off early to make use of the daylight.

While the weather may seem relatively balmy and bright for this time of the year, nightfall still looms quick, he warned.