A hiker was rescued on Colorado’s Mt. Bierstadt (14,065 feet) after his shoes had frozen solid during the winter hike.
The Alpine Rescue Team learned of the overdue hiker at approximately 8pm on December 13. The man had set out to climb the 14er that morning via the winter trailhead, instructing his father to call 911 if he hadn’t heard anything by 8pm.
Rescue team members started their search at the top of Guanella Pass up the summer trail when, around midnight, a flashing light was spotted a mile north by a team at the creek crossing. The team began breaking trail towards the light and reached the location at 1am, finding the hiker with his frozen solid shoes above a small cliff band.
The rescuers climbed to the man, rewarming his feet and belaying him to the ground. They then hiked/skied out with the man, getting him out of the field by 3 in the morning.
The Alpine Rescue Team encourages recreators to learn from this man’s experience. Always share your plans and a cutoff time with someone at home, as this hiker did with his father, always bring a light source, as this hiker did to signal rescuers, and always pack extra layers in case you get wet.
“Remember that winter recreation in Colorado has heightened consequences. Be prepared for vastly different conditions and know what to bring and how to use it.” – Alpine Rescue Team