Accident on Skywalker (S. Arapaho Peak)

[BColo]

Only have the FB link.

https://www.facebook.com/11023173570682 ... 11&sfns=mo

[peter303]

Another link

https://www.denverpost.com/2019/06/11/b ... er-rescue/

At 7:30 AM the snow field was probably very icy. You avoid potholing, but may need traction.

[mrgooseskin]

The accident happened while descending from the peak, and not in Skywalker itself. I decided to take the trail down while my other two partners decided to descend more directly into the valley via snow slopes and talus hopping. By the time I reached the trees and began walking down towards the TH, one of my partners yelled down to me from above stating our other partner had fallen, was gravely injured, and needed an evac. Commence epic 5.5 hour rescue.

Really hoping he'll pull through. It's going to be a long and painful recovery for him.

[Conor]

The accident happened while descending from the peak, and not in Skywalker itself. I decided to take the trail down while my other two partners decided to descend more directly into the valley via snow slopes and talus hopping. By the time I reached the trees and began walking down towards the TH, one of my partners yelled down to me from above stating our other partner had fallen, was gravely injured, and needed an evac. Commence epic 5.5 hour rescue.

Really hoping he'll pull through. It's going to be a long and painful recovery for him.

Thanks for the update. Hoping for the best.

[FireOnTheMountain]

Woj is a tough dude. Man, really hoping for the best!

Luckily he was with 2 other experienced folk.

[Trotter]

If nothing else, a good reminder that even with a beacon activation, a helicopter, and being very close to Boulder/Denver, that a rescue can take 4+ hours. Be prepared with gear for a long painful wait.


Hope the injured guy heals up and is able to get back out there.

[Phill the Thrill]

The accident happened while descending from the peak, and not in Skywalker itself. I decided to take the trail down while my other two partners decided to descend more directly into the valley via snow slopes and talus hopping. By the time I reached the trees and began walking down towards the TH, one of my partners yelled down to me from above stating our other partner had fallen, was gravely injured, and needed an evac. Commence epic 5.5 hour rescue.

Really hoping he'll pull through. It's going to be a long and painful recovery for him.

Sorry to hear about the accident. Thank you to those involved in the rescue operation. Wishing the best for the climber and all involved, and hoping to hear good news soon that he's on his way to recovery.

[BendExile]

I was rescued by Rocky Mountain Rescue in August of 2012 in the same area following an ill advised ignorant decision to take a short cut while descending South Arapaho Peak. I fell about 15 feet while trying to descend from a cliffed out area. I fractured my ankle but was fortunate enough to land on a ledge. If I had missed the ledge, I probably would have fallen at least 100 feet. Rocky Mountain Rescue carried me out on a litter. Their work was amazing. I am extremely grateful and have tried to provide them a generous donation on a regular basis. I encourage others to do so. it took me about 6 months to recover. Since then I have climbed South Arapaho Peak yearly to commemorate my rescue. I have been careful to descend via the standard route. My accident was an important lesson for me to stay on route even on "easy peaks". If you don't take the standard route descending South Arapaho Peak, you may end up cliffing out and have an epic adventure like me. I hope things turn out well for the climber involved in the recent accident.