A San José man survived a harrowing overnight ordeal after falling approximately 500 feet down Mount Shasta while attempting to glissade down Avalanche Gulch on Thursday night, officials confirmed Friday.
Rescue teams located the injured climber inside Horse Camp Cabin at 4 p.m. Friday, where he had crawled after removing his boots due to painful swelling. The man, whose identity has not been released, was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, authorities said.
How the incident unfolded
The climber summited Mount Shasta around 7:30 p.m. Thursday before his cellphone died, leaving him unable to call for help, according to the U.S. Forest Service. He attempted to glissade—a mountaineering technique involving controlled sliding on snow using ice axes—but lost control, suffering lacerations to his legs and injuries to his feet.
Unable to continue walking, the climber removed his boots due to swelling and crawled through the night to reach Horse Camp Cabin, a remote structure along Avalanche Gulch. His friends reported him missing the next day after failing to contact him, prompting a search effort.
Rescue and recovery efforts
Search teams, including air support, were mobilized by 2 p.m. Friday after the climber’s friends alerted authorities. A hiker discovered the man inside Horse Camp Cabin, leading to his rescue. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the operation with assistance from multiple agencies.
Safety reminders from officials
Forest service officials urged hikers to plan for daylight hours, set a turnaround time around noon, and carry backup electronics to ensure communication. They noted that the climber’s knowledge of the route helped him navigate to the cabin despite his injuries.
The incident remains under review, with no further details released about the climber’s condition.