Missing snowboarder at Big White

The search for a missing snowboarder in the Big White backcountry was continuing Monday after initial efforts were called off in the wee hours of the morning.

The resort said they were gravely concerned about the situation.

Conditions are very challenging with the morning temperature at the resort measured at around -30 C amid extreme avalanche risk in the backcountry.

Kelowna Regional RCMP along with assistance from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) and North Shore Rescue (NSR), are involved.

Police said around 5:10 p.m. Sunday they received the report of an overdue snow boarder.

A 42-year-old man from Kelowna had been snowboarding with friends when he was last seen at 1 p.m. at the Gem Lake chair lift as he prepared to do his last run of the day.

The Kelowna Regional RCMP is working closely with Big White Ski Patrol as well as searchers from COSAR and NSR.

A search was conducted Sunday evening but was called off at 12:45 a.m. due to inclement weather and poor visibility.

The search is being conducted in the backcountry of Big White where the snowpack is unstable and is subject to considerable and high avalanche risks.

Michael Ballingall with Big White said it was very important for anyone going off the regular ski runs into the backcountry to be properly prepared.

"You need to prepare. The area is controlled by Mother Nature," he told Kelowna10, noting the missing man went out of bounds. "Know before you go. Take an avalanche beacon, carry equipment so you can survive overnight, have the knowledge, and always, always, always go with a friend."

Ballingall suggested the snowboarder went on the run into the backcountry on his own. The resort was searched as per protocol, and his vehicle was located.

"It's minus 30 C up here right now, and we're gravely concerned," Ballingall said.