Three hikers who were reportedly underprepared and became lost on Vermont’s Mount Mansfield had to be rescued Monday.
According to a Stowe Mountain Rescue Facebook post on Tuesday, rescuers were called out after dark on Monday, January 19 for three hikers who rescuers said had hiked up Mount Mansfield—the highest peak in Vermont—”unaware of the enormity of what they were taking on.”
The three had reportedly hiked the bulk of the Hellbrook Trail but got lost and found themselves in a rugged area below Adam’s Apple. They reportedly didn’t have lights. After it got dark, they became increasingly cold and ended up calling 911.
Rescuers sent the hikers a snapshot of their location so they could see how to get back on trail. Rescuers then coached them through downloading the mapping app Gaia to help them. This got them successfully moving all the way to Taft Lodge, where rescue crews found them.
Rescuers provided the hikers with crampons, headlamps, electrolytes, and extra clothes. They then escorted the hikers to the downhill bus cat provided by Stowe Mountain Resort.
Stowe Mountain Rescue officials said the rescue illustrates the importance of research, planning, and the right equipment when hikers undertake a significant winter hike. A map and awareness of the weather and terrain are essential, as are warm clothing, sturdy four-season boots, and spikes or crampons.
They said hikers need calories, water, emergency shelter, first aid kit, fire starting kit, spare cell phone battery bank, a first aid kit, and headlamps.
