Two Canadian Hikers Unequipped for Snow + Nightfall Rescued Near Tram

Two hikers from Canada were unprepared for snow and nightfall when they got lost Tuesday on a steep trail between Palm Springs and the tram station in the San Jacinto Mountains, a sheriff's sergeant said.

Anna Moshchenko, 46, and Mario German, 48, received overnight help from alpine-trained volunteers before a sheriff's helicopter crew plucked them off the Skyline Trail ridge and flew them to safety Wednesday morning, Sgt. Don Fortney of the sheriff's Cabazon Station said.

Deputies received a call for help about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, when they were dispatched to a report of two lost hikers in the area of the Skyline Trail, east of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway mountain station, near 6,000 feet elevation, Fortney said.

The Skyline Trail starts at desert level near the Palm Springs Art Museum and ascends to rugged alpine terrain that can be treacherous when snow and ice form below Long Valley and tram mountain station.

Moshchenko and German "had set out on a day hike, wearing light clothing, and were not properly dressed or equipped for the snow they encountered at the higher elevations," Fortney said.

"The hikers became disoriented and lost the trail, as nightfall set in. As it began to snow again, temperatures quickly dropped to about 28 degrees. The hikers did have a cellular phone in their possession and were able to call Riverside County Sheriff's Dispatch and request assistance," Fortney said.

Members of the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit were called out and began searching on foot, while a helicopter crew from the Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit searched from the air, Fortney said.

The night search paid off about 9:50 p.m. when the helicopter crew spotted the lost hikers, but they were "unable to land or deploy a rescue crew, due to the steep terrain and unsafe high winds," Fortney said.

The airborne rescuers directed mountain volunteers on the ground to Moshchenko and German, but they were too exhausted to hike out, Fortney said.

The volunteers provided the couple with food, water, and warm clothing, and bedded down with the hikers until daybreak, Fortney said.

In the morning, "rescuers relocated the lost hikers to a safe landing zone" and the sheriff's helicopter crew returned to airlift the couple to safety about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Fortney said.

Moshchenko were cold and exhausted, but they were not injured. They declined medical treatment and accepted transport back to their vehicle, Fortney said.

January in the San Gorgonio Pass can mean summer-like temperatures at desert elevations and full-on winter conditions in the high mountains.

"The Riverside County Sheriff's Department would like to remind local hikers to be mindful of even short wilderness hikes," Fortney said. "Hikers should consider their experience, knowledge of the terrain, weather and personal physical limitations. During this time of year, the weather can change drastically, and the temperatures can drop significantly, with little or no warning. Remember to bring enough water and wear appropriate clothing. Always let friends and family know where you intend on hiking and when you are expected to return."

Anyone with more information was urged to contact the Cabazon Station at (951) 922-7100 or email CabazonStation@RiversideSheriff.org.