Snowboarders Accused of Entering Closed Area

For the second time in two weeks, a group of missing snowboarders was arrested after deliberately entering a closed, avalanche-prone area at a ski resort, authorities said.

Four men and a teenage boy were arrested on a misdemeanor trespassing charge about 30 minutes after a ground and air search began for them Friday night at the Heavenly resort, said El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies.

After getting, the snowboarders hiked four hours to reach a house west of the resort, deputies said. All five were exhausted and dehydrated but did not require medical attention.

They were released on a promise to appear in Superior Court late this month. If convicted, they could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.