White Pass, WA – Skiers and riders have been anxious to explore White Pass ski area’s new Paradise Basin expansion, perhaps too anxious.nA total of 14 people have ventured out of bounds and become lost in the first 10 days since the opening of the ski area’s new terrain this season. Three have required ski patrol rescue in three separate incidents, one on the mountain’s backside and two below the Couloir Express lift in the avalanche prone Grand Couloir, each incurring a $500 fee for rescue services. Others have wandered out of the backcountry on their own, including a group of six snowboarders who hiked the seven miles to Clear Lake.

White Pass ski area officials are urging visitors to abide by boundary ropes and signs. They have also expressed concern about jeopardizing rescuers by sending them into avalanche-prone areas to retrieve lost skiers.