On February 1st, five men, out of a party of seven vacationing in Jackson Hole opted to ski the Why-Not Couloir, just outside the boundaries of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. None of the men were wearing avalanche gear.

Three of the men found themselves further right than anticipated, and ended up just over a cliff band. On what was an especially icy patch, all three lost their edges and fell 200 feet over the cliff band.

A 31-year-old man from Tucson, Arizona, sustained minor injuries, while a 31-year-old San Jose, California, man and a 40-year-old Tustin, California, man were transported out by helicopter with serious injuries to the leg and chest, respectively, Teton County Search and Rescue Coordinator Jessica King said.

Teton County Search and Rescue's 90 minute mission closed down Jackson's Aerial Tram, as well as two backcountry gates. Barely over a week ago, two were swept over a cliff after triggering an avalanche and fell to their death just outside the boundaries of JHMR. -- Know where you're going and be safe out there!

Source: Jackson Hole News & Guide