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Contact: Amber Smigiel, 907-202-0156
Search operations are currently underway for a fallen ski mountaineer on Mt. McKinley’s West Buttress on Tuesday, June 3.
On Monday, June 2, two members of a three-person expedition reported an un-roped ski mountaineer fell at a location known as Squirrel Point. The 41-year-old male fell towards the Peters Glacier, an exposed rocky and serac covered 3000-foot face.
After witnessing the fall, the reporting party lowered over the edge as far as possible but was unable to see or hear the ski mountaineer. They then descended the West Buttress route for additional help and have now safely descended to Camp 1 where they are currently being taken care of by a ranger team.
Ongoing search operations include gathering of information. Ground and air search is currently on weather hold due to high winds and snow but will resume as soon as conditions allow.
Last updated: June 3, 2025