Home > Ice

Search Continues for Missing Climber

Parks Canada will resume their search today for the Royal Canadian Air Force Search and Rescue Technician who went missing in an avalanche on Feb. 5.

Mark Salesse was swept off a 60-metre ice pitch after a climber above triggered a small avalanche.

Friday: Ice Climber Goes Missing

Sunday: Weather Slows Search for Climber

Salesse went missing at the part of Polar Circus known as Turning the Pencil. It is common for climbers to un-rope until the upper tiers because of the moderate terrain, which often has a solid trail.

The accident occurred on Feb.5, exactly 33 years after famed ice climber John Lauchlan was killed on Polar Circus attempting to make the first solo ascent. Lauchlan fell over the same pitch of ice as Salesse.

Heavy snow and high avalanche probabilities has kept Parks Canada at a distance slowing recovery efforts. The search and rescue is now a search and recovery.

Parks Canada will continue their attempt to recover Salesse today, Tues. Feb 10.

Until Further Notice: Polar Circus is Closed to all Climbing

Salesse is a 44 years old and  was from the 435 Transport and Rescue squadron based out of 17 Wing Winnipeg.

He was doing a training exercise on the Polar Circus at the time of the avalanche.

Source: CBC
Source: CBC

Salesse’s Family Speaks to CBC:

Source: CBC

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

Easter Weekend Sales on Climbing Gear

Be sure that your rack is updated and ready for the upcoming rock climbing season