02/12/2026
Yet another reminder to be prepared and plan ahead! There is no shame in turning back when it's too late, too cold, or just too far.
On Saturday night, the Camels Hump Backcountry Rescue (CHBR) Team was called to assist the Waterbury Backcountry Rescue Team (WBRT) with a call that would become among the most challenging calls in our history. At 18:30, two hikers called 911 from high on the Long Trail near the summit of Camels Hump. They were cold, temperatures were dropping, and the winds were increasing. They were advised to continue their upward climb and take the Alpine Trail, where rescuers would meet them.
Five hours later, at 23:47, the first team of six rescuers (3 WBRT, 3 CHBR) meets up with the patients at 3700 on the Alpine Trail. US National Weather Service Burlington VT, estimated the temperature to be -15 degrees F. The snow was deep, and the wind was blowing. Both hikers were suffering from hypothermia. One was able to walk with assistance after warming up. The other had to be slid down the mountain in a litter while they continued to be treated for hypothermia. Three rescuers assisted the first patient down, and the other nine rescuers extricated the second patient.
This was the only picture taken during the rescue due to the extreme demands placed on the rescuers. This is the patient inside a Bothy Bag with two rescuers. The patient is on a sleeping pad and in a sleeping bag with an extra-large chemical heat pack.
At 04:01 the next morning, the second patient and all rescuers arrived at the trailhead and transferred care to Waterbury Ambulance. Both patients survived and are expected to make a full recovery.
We want to thank Waterbury Backcountry Rescue Team and Huntington Search & Rescue for their collaboration and leadership on this call. The twelve members from the three teams were an exceptional group who managed to take care of two dangerously cold hikers while still taking care of themselves in an extreme environment. Our frequent joint trainings have paid off, as everyone was familiar with each other and the systems we use.
We want to take this opportunity to remind hikers that although our mountains are small by global standards, they still pose a considerable threat to unprepared hikers, especially in the winter. Always bring the ten essentials, and don't be afraid to turn back if you are not prepared for the conditions you find. The mountain will always be there another day. Your job is to make sure that you are too.
