Photo above courtesy of Alpine Rescue Team (website)
GUANELLA PASS, COLORADO — Alpine Rescue Team faced back-to-back rescue operations between December 13 and 14, starting with an overnight mission on Mt. Bierstadt and followed by a response to a reported avalanche on Berthoud Pass.
The first call came just after 8 p.m. on December 13, when the team was alerted to an overdue hiker on Mt. Bierstadt. The man, who set out from the winter trailhead that morning, had told his father to call 911 if he hadn’t checked in by 8 p.m. While the class 2 peak is one of the state’s easiest 14ers, it is much more difficult and dangerous in current winter-like conditions, with temperatures dropping to just 3° F last night.
Rescuers began their search from the top of Guanella Pass, heading up the summer trail. Near midnight, searchers saw a flashing light approximately a mile north of the creek crossing. After breaking trail through snow, they reached the stranded hiker around 1 a.m. He was immobilized by frozen shoes and trapped above a small cliff band.
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The team carefully re-warmed his feet and belayed him down the cliff before assisting him back to the trailhead. He and rescuers safely exited the field after 3 a.m.
Just ten hours later, around 1 p.m. on December 14, Alpine Rescue Team was notified of a reported avalanche near the Pumphouse parking lot on Berthoud Pass. Early reports suggested unknown burials, prompting an immediate response.
As a hasty team entered the field, Alpine’s operations team managed to contact the involved parties. It was confirmed that one person had been partially buried but successfully self-extricated. The team stood down, allowing resources to remain available for other emergencies.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Lessons Learned:
- Share Your Plans: Let someone know your route and a call-for-help deadline. This allowed the hiker’s father to call 911 promptly.
- Pack Extra Layers: Wet clothing can become deadly in winter conditions.
- Carry a Light Source: The hiker’s flashlight played a critical role in his rescue.
- Report Accidents: If you witness an avalanche, call 911 immediately, even if you’re unsure about burials. This ensures a timely response without wasting critical rescue resources.
