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Six people were rescued Sunday morning after becoming trapped in a snow storm in the Bridger Mountains on Saturday afternoon.

More than 25 search and rescue workers, along with Gallatin County Sheriff's deputies struggled with heavy snow, avalanche conditions and spotty communications for more than 15 hours to find the people, according to a press release. They were taken from the area by helicopter on Sunday morning.

Search and rescue personnel received a call Saturday afternoon about hikers who were caught in a storm on Sacajawea Peak. The group was reportedly in the area for a wildlife photography shoot. They were able to contact authorities using a cell phone and said they were above Fairy Lake on the ride line on the east side of Sacajawea. They initially said they were attempting to walk out of the area but then called back about an hour later saying that they had stopped walking and were making a fire.

SAR volunteers with skis and snowshoes were taken to the Fairy Lake Trailhead by snowmobile to begin searching. Due to spotty cell phone reception, searchers had a difficult time pinning down a location of the missing party, the press release states.

"SAR skiers made several attempts to make their way up the Fairy Lake trail beginning at approximately 5:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon and throughout the night and early morning hours. The search area was primarily located in the steep bowl above the lake. The searchers reported low visibility, strong winds and snow slides in the search area. The skiers were unable to locate the missing party," the release states. "Heavy snow and low clouds prevented the use of aircraft Saturday afternoon and evening. After weather conditions cleared during the early morning Sunday, helicopters from Summit Air Ambulance and the U.S Air Force were able to operate above the search area."

Just before sunrise Sunday, the Air Force helicopter spotted the missing party at about 8,200 feet near the Bridger Range ridgeline. Three people are flown to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport by Carisch Air Service and three were flown out by the Air Force. All six individuals declined further medical treatment at the airport.

"It has been a long night for everyone," said Lt. Jeff Wade of the Gallatin County Sheriff's Department. "But we had a good outcome. The lost subjects were located, our volunteers are really tired, but all safe. Our thanks go out to all the agencies involved, including the Air Force, Summit Air Ambulance and Carisch Air.

"Everyone worked together very well under dangerous and difficult circumstance," said Wade. "Successes like these are due to a great deal of hard work and coordination. We appreciate everyone's help."

Wade reminds people that during this time of year, weather in the high country can turn deadly very quickly. He recommends the following for anyone planning an outing:
• Keep an eye on the weather
• Dress for conditions
• Have a charged cell phone with you
• Bring a GPS unit with you
• Bring extra clothing, food and water
• Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
• Have a way to make a fire