Two trappers have been rescued in eastern Yukon after their snowmobile broke down, stranding them for several days in bitterly cold weather.

Last Saturday, Ross River RCMP were notified that the trappers, believed to be travelling in the Dragon Lake area, were overdue.

Due to temperatures hovering around -45 C and the associated equipment issues, officers were unable to fully complete a search that day, police said Monday.

A decision was made to continue the next day, when a helicopter would be available.

Last Sunday, one Ross River RCMP officer, accompanied by a Yukon conservation officer, travelled toward the trappers’ destination.

“A check of the cabin and trapline showed no sign of the missing party or any recent activity in the area,” police said.

After further searching, the missing people were located a fair distance away from their trapline.

“Both trappers were alive, but were suffering from various degrees of injuries due to exposure,” police said.

“According to the trappers, their snowmobile had broken down on their way to their cabin, and they had been stranded for seven days.

“They are now being treated for any health issues arising from their ordeal.”

Their names were not released.

“In the Yukon, these exceptional situations are a reality and do not always have as good an outcome as we saw this week,” police said.

With extreme cold warnings continuing across the territory, police are reminding everyone to stay safe, and stay warm. Here are some safety tips for cold weather and travelling out to the back country:

• Make a plan. Always tell someone where you’re going and when to expect you back.

• Bring an emergency and survival kit with you, which may include:

• a GPS tracking device and/or a satellite phone;

• extra non-perishable food and water in a container that won’t break when frozen;

• a way to make a fire; and

• extra clothing such as socks, mitts/gloves and a toque/hat.

Dress in layers and stay dry. Natural fibres like wool are best to keep yourself warm.

If something goes wrong, stay in one place. This makes it easier for search parties to locate you.