This hiker did a few things right (having a whistle) and wrong (improper crampons, ski poles instead of an ice axe) and also had a lot of luck on his side after falling 1500' down into a ravine.

For those who are not familiar with crampons. The micro/mini crampons mentioned in the article would be similar to the first photo, whereas mountaineering crampons which require mountaineering boots with front and rear welts are shown in the 2nd photo. There are also some full crampons on the market that can be worn on most winter boots, however these are not to be used for anything more then an icy trail and definitely not for mountaineering purposes.

The victim is one lucky dude........

Bet he won't skimp on equipment next time!

Better crampons and an ice axe might have helped, but I am far more impressed with his ability after his fall to take a bearing on a rescuer and give them a line of position to look for him on.

Excellent use of his compass and cell phone.

If the possibility for a fatal fall exists like in this case,
a roped belay would be called for.

Knowing how to do a pole arrest is a good idea for those that use
trekking or ski poles.

Arresting with crampons can be difficult, and instep crampons
would be easier to arrest with- you won't catch a front point
and be flipped over.

Or when an ice axe or an ice tool is a better idea...

Although, once again, it is about more than just the gadgets. You need the training and practice to belay and self arrest on steep icy terrain. I am long out of practice in self arrests, and I would be in trouble in that country, regardless of what I would be carrying, unless I retrained.

You are right about that. A trekking pole self arrest can save your life. it did for me even if it was not the classic textbook method. I fell and started to slide down a hill and was able to get the pole dug in enough that I was left hanging solely by my right hand wrapped through the pole strap. I was unable to stabilize myself and get my hand free. Fortunately a person who was with us was able to help assist and free me. Had I been using a wooden walking stick or hiking alone on this trip, the outcome could of been a lot different.

Here is a photo of the lower section of the pole which I have since replaced. Though it is difficult to see in the photo, the section is very kinked and cracked almost all the way through. It probably would not of held me much longer that day.

Of, should be have, as in: could have been...



Of, should be have, as in: would not have held...


Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Once, on only moderately angled granite, a moist mossy patch sent me sliding toward what would have been certain death. A quick knuckle jam in a crack saved my life. I also plead guilty to hiking in shoulder season through some shortish snowy, icy exposures in high passes that probably merited an ice axe and crampons, without them.

Don't mean to quibble, but SAR's reference would seem to imply the hiker had on microspikes or yaktraks, not instep crampons. Begs the question, instep crampons or any of the microspikes are inadequate for snow or ice with any exposure. Possibly they two guys set out for a day hike, and just went beyond their equipment. I can see it, the kahtoola model microspikes are pretty good on (flat) ice, just not that good. Lucky to be alive.