Fall colors may be dominating the low-lying trails right now, but winter conditions have settled in on Utah’s highest peaks, and one hiker learned first-hand how important it is to head into the mountains prepared for the cold this weekend.
According to Sandy’s Gephardt Daily reports on Saturday morning, a man had to be rescued by helicopter from Mount Timpanogos because he was suffering from “frostbitten feet.”
Although Utah County sheriff’s spokesman, Sgt. Spencer Cannon describes the man’s condition as “mild hypothermia,” which would not normally require a helicopter call. He explains that due to the injuries to the man’s feet, he was unable to get down the mountain on his own.
The tourist, who is probably around 20 years old, was airlifted from the scene and returned home after being treated.
“The advice I would give to anyone going there is to be well prepared,” Cannon says.
“This person clearly wasn’t. He may have encountered conditions he did not expect.”
Mount Timpanogos is the second highest peak in the Wasatch Range of Utah, at 3,700 meters. Although daytime highs remain in the 70s in nearby Salt Lake City, high elevations are already experiencing freeze-thaw conditions, and photos of hikers posted on Instagram over the weekend reveal snow at the peak.
“Any time you go there, but especially this time of year, you have to prepare for the worst. And the worst thing is that you will either hit snow or it will snow and be cold,” says Armata.
Winter is coming. When traveling to high altitude areas, be prepared for winter conditions (Photo: Getty Images)
Get ready for winter hiking
Winter is coming. When venturing into high altitude areas, it is extremely important to be prepared for winter conditions. If you’re hiking in spring, keep the following tips in mind:
