A search for three missing climbers on New Zealand’s Mt. Cook has been suspended, and authorities presume them dead. The climbers, Kurt Blair, 56, of Colorado, Carlos Romero, 50, of California, and a third unnamed Canadian climber, were attempting the Linda Glacier/Zubriggen Ridge route, a popular path on New Zealand’s highest peak. Drones were used in the search, capturing footage of footprints and scattered gear, but no signs of the climbers themselves. Their families have been notified.
The climbers began their expedition at the Plateau Hut and were expected to summit last weekend. A rescue operation began when they missed their prearranged transportation. Despite the use of drones, the search has been called off, although authorities stated they would resume searching if new information or credible sightings are reported. Blair and Romero were experienced alpinists and professional guides with IFMGA/AMGA credentials. However, Mt. Cook presents significant dangers, including rockfall, avalanches, and steep, icy conditions, making it a challenging climb even for experts.
Mt. Cook, also known as Aoraki, is New Zealand’s highest peak, rising to 12,218 feet in the Southern Alps. The mountain is a sacred site to the Māori, and its name, Aoraki, translates to “Cloud Piercer.” The climbing season generally runs from November to February, with December and January offering the most stable weather. Climbers typically access the mountain via helicopter to reach Plateau Hut.
Mt. Cook holds a significant place in mountaineering history. The first successful summit was in 1894 by New Zealanders Tom Fyfe, George Graham, and Jack Clarke. This achievement inspired generations of climbers, including Sir Edmund Hillary, who trained on Mt. Cook before his historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Despite being smaller than Himalayan peaks, Mt. Cook is known for its challenging climbs, featuring steep ice faces, exposed ridges, and rockfall hazards. The Linda Glacier Route, the most popular route, involves glacier travel, ice climbing, and ridge scrambling. The climbers who went missing were attempting the Zurbriggen Ridge, a more exposed route with stunning views.
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