SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — A man was rescued from the backcountry in Summit County during Sunday evening's snowstorm and the Summit County Rescue Group is crediting his preparation for helping keep him alive.
Summit County Rescue said it deployed its best snowmobilers to rescue the man, who was in the backcountry off Vail Pass.
"We give credit to our rescuee for being prepared, as he was able to make a shelter and build a fire when things went wrong and thankfully he kept himself safe and warm waiting to be rescued," the rescue group wrote on Facebook.
It took the rescuers several hours to reach the man due to the messy roads and winter conditions, but his fire and shelter booted his chance of survival as he waited, they said.
The rescue group is reminding explorers to be prepared when heading into the backcountry, especially in the winter.
READ MORE: These devices, apps could save your life if you face trouble in the Colorado backcountry
For more information on safety in wintry conditions, visit Colorado.gov here.