RCMP say a Swedish skier believed missing in the Salmo-Creston pass is actually in good health, camping in the Golden/Revelstoke area.
But the whereabouts of Bjorn Soderlund, 23, only became known after Nelson Search and Rescue completed an “extensive” helicopter and snowmobile search of the Ripple Ridge trails and cabins.
Late Friday afternoon, police confirmed Soderlund obtained a backcountry travel permit near Revelstoke on April 9. They have identified the people he is travelling with and learned he spoke with a friend on the phone Wednesday.
Soderlund is believed to be in good health, and to have email access. Investigators contacted some of his most recent associates.
RCMP say they are arranging for Soderlund to meet with them in either Golden or Revelstoke to verify that he is okay. Their file will remain open until that happens, but he is no longer considered a missing or overdue person.
“RCMP ask that backcountry travelers always leave detailed itineraries with friends or relatives,” they said in a release. “If travel plans change then friends and relatives should be updated. This will narrow down search parameters for police and search and rescue when reports are received of overdue backcountry travelers, not to mention reducing the stress and anxiety of friends and relatives.”
Police thanked Nelson Search and Rescue and local media for their help.
Soderlund was previously thought to have departed Nelson last Sunday with plans to ski the Ripple Ridge area, with plans to return Tuesday. He was reported missing by an acquaintance on Thursday.