Home > News

Climber Dies Soloing in Alberta’s Southern Rockies

The 31-year-old man was climbing alone and used his SPOT to call for a rescue

A man has died in the Crowsnest Mountains in southern Alberta while soloing The Chutes. On Jan. 9, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. MST, Crowsnest Pass RCMP were dispatched to a Garmin SPOT emergency activation. The information that was provided indicated an injury.

Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue, and Pincher Creek Search and Rescue, were called for search and rescue. A team of 10 attempted a ground rescue. Six members from Crowsnest Fire and Rescue hiked into a low point, while four members from Pincher Creek Search & Rescue climbed further into the rugged terrain.

However, due to the high winds, darkness and the potential for avalanches, the team was forced to turn back. On Jan. 10, 2021, Kananaskis Country Public Safety was called for their long line rescue capabilities and located the climber who’d succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased male was extracted from Crowsnest Mountain and transported to the Medical Examiner’s office. It’s believed that terrain as well as environmental conditions of ice, wind and snow contributed to the incident.

The deceased’s name will not be released and no further updates are anticipated. The Crowsnest RCMP would like to thank the Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue along with Pincher Creek Search and Rescue for their assistance and efforts during this incident.

Crowsnest Mountain is located just north of Crowsnest Highway in the Crowsnest River Valley between Allison Creek Valley and McGillivary Creek Valley. It lies just east of the High Rock Range, which marks both the Continental Divide and the Alberta/British Columbia border.

Avalanche danger is currently high is much of Alberta and B.C.’s mountains. Check conditions here before heading out.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The Best Climbing Gear According to Our Editors – March

Every month we're bringing you our favourite gear so you can complete your climbing kit with the latest and best stuff out there