On the evening of June 3, two climbers were descending toward base camp on skis. One of the climbers fell after being pulled to the side by his gear sled. The 51-year-old climber reported feeling and hearing a popping sensation in his left knee during the fall. The two were able to continue their descent to 7,800-foot camp, about 5.5 miles away from Kahiltna base, before the swelling and pain became too much for continued travel.

The following morning, the climbing team notified NPS personnel in camp that the patient could no longer bear weight on his leg. At approximately 7:30 p.m. on June 4, once inclement weather cleared, a mountaineering ranger and pilot evacuated the patient by helicopter to Talkeetna.

ANALYSIS

Denali provides the rare—and often dreaded—opportunity to ski between camps, roped up for glacier travel, carrying heavy packs and towing an expedition sled. These skills are often new to climbers on the mountain. If possible, practice before your expedition, and then take extreme care while skiing with loads. Many climbing seasons have ended early due to injuries sustained during these activities. (Source: Denali Mountaineering Rangers.)