On February 25, 2015

Skier directed out of backcountry safely

KILLINGTON — On Feb. 22, at approximately 1:32 p.m., the Vermont State Police-Rutland Barracks received an Emergency 911 call from Gregory Hilz, age 27 from Pleasant Valley, N.Y. Hilz said he was skiing on the Palmer Woods Trail at the Pico Ski Resort and became lost after skiing off the trail. A subsequent interview revealed Hilz intentionally skied off the Palmer Woods Trail into the woods intending to come back onto the trail further down the mountain. Hilz skied approximately 45 minutes before realizing he was lost and would not be coming out at his expected destination.

With the assistance of the Pico Ski Patrol, Hilz was guided through the back country to Wheelerville Road located in Mendon where troopers were waiting.

Hilz was not injured as a result of this incident.

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