60-year-old hiker stranded on icy mountain ledge rescued after standing in same spot for 7 hours, rangers say

KEENE, N.Y. (WCAX/Gray News) — A 60-year-old Canadian hiker was rescued from an icy New York mountain ledge after spending seven hours standing in the exact same spot, according to state forest rangers.

The rescue unfolded on Wednesday, Oct. 21, along the Mount Colden Trap Dike in the Adirondack Mountains.

Rangers said the hiker triggered an emergency satellite beacon around 6:30 p.m. after losing his crampons, traction spikes attached to winter boots, while traversing an icy ledge.

Without traction gear, the climber was unable to safely move up or down, leaving him stranded.

Rescue teams reached the man around 1a.m. and began working to secure him.

“When I got out to him and was trying just to get him secured to me, the thought went through my mind: if we both slip before I have him clipped in and on my tether, he’s dead. He’s like, gone,” Forest Ranger Jenna Curcio said.

Officials noted the Trap Dike route is rated as a fourth-class mountaineering climb and has claimed multiple lives over the years.

Rangers urged outdoor enthusiasts to thoroughly research mountain routes and carry proper gear before heading into steep backcountry terrain.