Apple Watch Feature Helps Save Injured Skiers After 1,000-Foot Plunge [WATCH]

An Apple Watch feature recently proved its worth in a life-or-death scenario, assisting rescuers in locating and saving a group of stranded skiers in Washington state, as reported by The New York Post.

The dramatic incident unfolded near Steven’s Pass when a backcountry skier took a terrifying 1,000-foot tumble down the mountain, sustaining a leg injury. The harrowing rescue was captured on video and later shared by the King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit.

An Apple Watch SOS Alert Led Rescuers to Locate Injured Skiers after 1,000-Foot Fall https://t.co/G3GNqmzTmQ pic.twitter.com/PntfpM9ysK

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The ordeal began when the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office received an SOS alert from the injured skier’s Apple Watch. With limited information—just a notification that the skier had fallen and was immobilized—the King County rescue team sprang into action.

As daylight faded, the air support unit launched their helicopter to scour the area.

Footage of the rescue reveals the team’s tense efforts to locate the injured skier and his group. Upon arrival, the video shows the skier’s companion desperately waving to catch the rescuers’ attention.

A rescuer was lowered from the helicopter, carefully securing the injured skier to a hoist line. The injured man was then lifted into the aircraft for transport to safety.

However, the mission didn’t end there. The rescue team soon realized another skier in the group had suffered a knee injury and was unable to walk. This forced the team to coordinate a second round of extractions.

In a remarkable display of precision and determination, the crew hoisted all three skiers into the helicopter and transported them down the mountain.

DRAMATIC RESCUE: Dramatic video shows the rescue of injured skiers near Steven’s Pass in Washington state last week, and some wearable technology is being credited with helping guide rescuers to their location. Watch the full video here: https://t.co/wWbxdyfdIV pic.twitter.com/e74YjfcNii

— FOX Weather (@foxweather) January 26, 2025

The operation highlighted not only the heroism of the rescue team but also the potential lifesaving impact of wearable technology like the Apple Watch. The SOS alert function gave authorities the vital starting point they needed to locate the stranded skiers.

While this story has a happy ending, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with backcountry skiing. Preparation, including the use of technology and emergency plans, is essential when venturing into remote and unpredictable terrain.

The bravery of the rescue team and the effectiveness of modern technology combined to save lives in this incredible survival story. This time, innovation and human skill turned a potential tragedy into a triumphant rescue.