Two skiers missing since Friday at Ski Apache in Mescalero have been spotted uninjured.
The skiers, identified as Cade Wooten, 23, and JD Roberts, 27, of Roswell, were reported missing when they did not return to their vehicle by 4 p.m. Friday. They were spotted around 1 p.m. this afternoon.
Ski Apache quickly deployed every search and rescue asset at its disposal and notified White Mountain Search and Rescue, as well as local law enforcement, to aid in the search.
At approximately 11:45 a.m. Saturday, the skiers were spotted near the Indian Creek/Three Rivers area on the back side of Ski Apache. In a coordinated effort between Ski Apache Ski Patrol, White Mountain, New Mexico Search and Rescue, and the New Mexico State Police, Wooten and Roberts were safely recovered.
The men are exhausted but uninjured and in good condition. They reported staying warm overnight by building a snow shelter and lighting a small fire.
“All of us at Ski Apache are thrilled that these two skiers have been rescued and are safe and unharmed,” said Frizzell Frizzell Jr., chief operating officer at Inn of the Mountain Gods. “Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the employees, volunteers, and search and rescue teams that worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return.”
