Colorado hiker rescued after frozen shoes leave him stranded on mountain
A hiker had to be rescued in Colorado after his shoes were frozen solid. (Credit: Alpine Rescue Team)
DENVER - A hiker in Colorado had to be rescued after he failed to reach the summit of a mountain because his shoes were frozen solid.
The Alpine Rescue Team said they were notified about a man who had not returned after setting out to climb Mt. Bierstadt. He had left instructions for his father to call 911 if he didn't hear from him by a certain time.
Rescuers arrived and searched the area. They then spotted a flashing light. The sighting led to a man above a small cliff.
The man told first responders he was unable to move because the shoes had "frozen solid."
Rescuers were able to move the man and began warming his feet before transporting him back down the summit.
Authorities said they want to send out the following reminders to hikers:
• Always share your plans and a cutoff time with someone not going on the trip. Without knowing to call 911, our subjects father may not have notified the team in time.
• Pack extra layers in case yours get wet.
• Bring a light source, had our subject not had a light source it’s unlikely he would have been able to signal the team.