RCMP in northern Manitoba had to use a helicopter to reach a man who was injured while snowmobiling, after one of the man's riding partners travelled hours to reach help.

Police say in a news release that around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday Thompson RCMP received a report of an injured snowmobiler near Dafoe Lake, about a three-hour snowmobile ride from Split Lake, Manitoba.

A map shows the pinpoint of Dafoe LakeDafoe Lake is approximately 635 km north of Winnipeg, and 95 km east of Thompson. (Google Maps)

A male, 23, who had been with the injured rider had returned to Split Lake and called to report that two males, 60 and 66, had remained behind at a cabin near Dafoe Lake as the 66-year-old had been injured and could not make the ride back to Split Lake.

Officers knew the injured male was not alone and that he was in a cabin with supplies, but not knowing the severity of the injuries, it was determined the male needed assistance immediately.

A helicopter was flown to the location; the male was then airlifted to Thompson to receive medical attention.

The male’s injuries were non-life-threatening. He remains in hospital.