4 skiers, including state legislator, rescued after avalanche

BUTTE, Mont. – Four skiers have been rescued after several were caught in an avalanche near Butte in western Montana.

A helicopter from Malmstrom Air Force Base lifted the skiers out early Monday morning after ground rescuers couldn't reach them.

One skier was taken to a hospital and treated for a diabetic emergency. However, no one remained in the hospital by noon Monday.

Rescue officials told The Montana Standard that the skiers were in a restricted area and caused the avalanche. The skiers said they believed the area was not off limits.

Among those rescued was Amanda Curtis, a state legislator who also teaches at Butte High School.

Curtis says the skiers are experienced backcountry skiers and had skied that spot for 15 years.