The Vermont Department of Public Safety is reminding skiers and snowboarders to stay on the trails at resorts following six cases of lost skiers in the last two weeks.
Public safety officials note that with 3 to 4 feet of new snow, off-trail skiing is attractive to some skiers and snowboarders. But they caution it is discouraged at most ski areas for safety reasons. Skiiers often become lost or trapped and search and rescue teams also face dangers during a search.
The department warns that skiing or riding out-of-bounds is particularly dangerous in extreme cold, which is forecast for the weekend.
Officials say if skiers do ski off trail, they should not do it alone and should know the area and have a map and compass, start early in the day, watch the weather, and bring extra layers of clothing and a headlamp.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2015 All rights reserved.