A hiker's vision was impaired by snow crystals blown into their eyes during a winter descent, triggering a seven-hour overnight rescue by volunteer search and rescue on one of Colorado's most remote fourteeners.
Chaffee County, Colorado — Two hikers attempting a winter descent of 14,075-foot Mount Columbia required an overnight rescue on March 7 after one member of the party lost the ability to see clearly when snow crystals were blown into their eyes, according to an after-action report from Chaffee County Search and Rescue North.
The team was called into the field around 9:15 p.m. after receiving a distress signal from an emergency GPS device. Rescuers traveled through snowy terrain on skis and snowshoes, reaching the hiking party nearly four hours later. Both hikers were treated for minor injuries before being escorted off the mountain. The group cleared the field at 4:28 a.m.
What Happened
Details about the hikers' ascent timeline, route, and gear remain limited. What is known from the CCSAR-N after-action report is that the pair were descending Mount Columbia when wind-driven snow crystals struck one hiker's eyes, significantly impairing their vision.
The loss of clear eyesight made navigating steep, snow-covered terrain in darkness extremely difficult. The hikers activated an emergency GPS messenger to request help, and Chaffee County Search and Rescue North launched a response team into the backcountry.
Rescuers used skis and snowshoes to reach the party at high elevation. After making contact and providing first aid, the combined group descended together through the remainder of the night.
Why This Matters
Mount Columbia is one of Colorado's more remote fourteeners, located in the Sawatch Range near Buena Vista. It sees far less traffic than front-range peaks, and access in winter is long and committing. A rescue here requires significant time and effort from SAR volunteers, especially in darkness and cold.
This incident also highlights a hazard that many hikers don't plan for: wind-driven snow and ice particles can cause acute eye irritation or temporary vision impairment, even without direct sun exposure. While most hikers think of eye protection in terms of snow glare and UV radiation, blowing snow above treeline in winter can create visibility problems of its own — particularly on exposed ridges and during descents when wind is at your back or swirling.
Chaffee County is home to 12 fourteeners — more than any other county in Colorado — and its volunteer SAR teams respond to dozens of missions per year across demanding terrain. All rescuers are unpaid volunteers.
Safety Takeaways
- Carry quality eye protection. Wraparound glacier glasses or ski goggles protect against both UV glare and wind-driven snow or ice. Standard sunglasses may not block wind and particles from the sides. Consider bringing a backup pair.
- Start early, plan for darkness. Winter daylight is limited. An alpine start gives you the most margin for unexpected delays. If you're still above treeline at sunset, conditions get exponentially harder.
- Carry an emergency communication device. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent on most Colorado 14ers. A satellite messenger (such as a Garmin inReach or ACR Bivy) can be the difference between a rescue and a tragedy. In this case, the hikers' GPS device enabled SAR to respond.
- Know the terrain and have a turnaround time. Mount Columbia is long and remote. Winter attempts on any 14er demand honest self-assessment about fitness, pace, conditions, and available daylight.
- Dress and pack for the worst case. Carry headlamps, extra layers, emergency shelter, food, and water beyond what you think you'll need. Assume you may be out overnight.
- Get a CORSAR card. Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card costs $5 for one year or $20 for five years. It helps fund the volunteer SAR teams who come to get you. Purchase one through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Supporting Colorado's Volunteer SAR Teams
Colorado's backcountry search and rescue system relies entirely on unpaid volunteers. Teams like Chaffee County Search and Rescue North operate around the clock, in all seasons, across some of the most rugged terrain in the state. They do not charge for rescues.
If you hike, climb, ski, or ride in Colorado's backcountry, supporting these teams is one of the most direct ways to give back. You can donate to CCSAR-N directly, or purchase a CORSAR card to help fund SAR reimbursements statewide.
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