Long, cold winter makes mountains more dangerous, warns North Shore Rescue

Half a dozen hikers have been rescued from the North Shore mountains over the past week and the team leader for North Shore Rescue fears hikers are still not taking the risks seriously.

Mike Danks said this year's unusuallylong and cold winter meansthe mountains are more dangerous than inprevious years. Several areas that typically would be safe by Mayare still covered in snow and many hikersare unprepared for the conditions.

• North Shore Rescue rescues multiple people near Cypress Bowl

This weekend, four lost and injured hikers were rescued.

"We had a couple of hikers that were up at White Lake," Danks told CBC's Laura Lynch, guest host of The Early Edition. "They just got off trail and got lost."

Another group wasstranded on St. Mark's Summit and called for help.

"That's really common place now that we're getting people basically getting in over their heads," Danks said. "They are not anticipating the snowy conditions, the steep trail and they get overwhelmed."

Danks said he often sees hikers with only shorts and running shoes, unprepared for what lies ahead on the trails.

To listen to MikeDanks' advice on how to prepare for a hike, click the audio link below:

Know before you go

Danks said education and doing research about a trail before setting off is key. He said the Grouse Grind is a prime example of hikers underestimating conditions and overestimating their abilities.

"A lot of people think, 'Oh, let's go do the Grind' but they haven't been in the outdoors for over a year that's a really strenuous hike," he said. "You have to do your research on the hike you're going to do, make sure that it's appropriate to your fitness level and your experience level."

• Photo of 'naive' hikers worries North Shore Rescue

Danks said his team is trying to get across the message that many of the trails on the mountains are still covered in snow and are dangerous.

"There is still a significant snow pack there and we're really recommending that people go with someone who is experienced," he said.

With files from The Early Edition.