UPDATE – Missing Snowbowl Skier Found Safe [AUDIO]

UPDATE 10:07, January 31 - A lost skier has been found safe after failing to return home after a ski trip at Snowbowl on January 30.

According to Missoula County Sheriff's Captain Josh Clark, the search team composed of the Five Valley Back Country Ski Patrol and Missoula County Search and Rescue located Derek at 10:07 Thursday morning.

Josh Clark:

Clark says that the lost skier was "cold and hungry," and no further physical injury has been discovered so far. A contact with the search and rescue team is scheduled to relay more information later today.

Deputy Gordon Schmill was on the search and rescue team and says that one of Wcislak's bindings broke while he was on the east side of paradise run. Luckilly, Wcislak was equipped with a backpack, lighter, shovel, and other necessary survival gear. Wcislak followed a drainage out through Grant Creek where he was eventually discovered by Search and Rescue.

Details on the search and discovery from Gordon Schmill:

Original story - A young skier named Derek Wcislak became lost on Snowbowl Wednesday night. Search and Rescue crews were on the mountain until late Wednesday night.

Sergeant Tony Rio with the Missoula County Sheriff's Department says the search was put on hold until first light Thursday morning.

Rio says the Life Flight helicopter will be called upon to help in the search, weather permitting.

Sergeant Tony Rio