A helicopter picks up searchers at Cypress Mountain parking lot on Tuesday.
Photograph by: Photo Ward Perrin , Vancouver Sun
The Cypress Mountain ski resort says it will bill snowboarder Sebastien Boucher for its role in the search that led to his rescue Tuesday.
While use of the RCAF Cormorant helicopter is provided at no cost during such emergencies and the volunteer rescue teams don't often bill for their services, the ski hill operators said Wednesday evening they estimate the cost of their equipment and services - an estimated 50 staff participated in the three-day search - at $10,000.
Marketing director Joffrey Koeman said they would be billing Boucher, and donating the money to North Shore Search and Rescue.
"Mr. Boucher made the mistakes of someone who has disregard for their own safety and the safety of others," Koeman said in a statement, including ignoring warnings about crossing into out-of-bounds areas, venturing into deep snow without a partner, and leading searchers on a "wild goose chase."
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