Skiers Rescued from Frozen Waterfall in Colorado Mountains

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Two skiers were rescued last month after they found themselves stranded on a frozen waterfall in the dark in the Colorado mountains. The Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, a non-profit organization of trained volunteers, responded to the call and climbed to the top of the ice pitches to access the skiers, who were cold but uninjured. The rescue team provided warmth and escorted the skiers out of the canyon, with a second team deployed in the morning to bring additional supplies.

Why it matters

This rescue operation highlights the importance of backcountry safety and preparedness, as well as the critical role of volunteer mountain rescue teams in responding to emergencies in remote and treacherous locations. The incident also serves as a reminder for skiers and adventurers to be attentive to their surroundings, check weather and avalanche conditions, and have the proper equipment and communication devices when venturing into the backcountry.

The details

The two skiers were coming off the east ridge of Angel Knob, in the Angel Creek drainage, when they got stuck on an icefall in the dark and needed to be rescued. Three rescuers initially responded to get more information and try to access the base of the rappel to bring warmth to the skiers. Rescuers then climbed to the top of one of several ice pitches to access the stranded skiers, who were cold but uninjured. The rescue team provided warmth and escorted the skiers out of the canyon, with a second team deployed in the morning to bring food, warmth, and traction for the skiers.

• The rescue operation took place on the evening of Friday, January 30, 2026.
• The rescue team and the stranded skiers were back in town by noon the next day.

What’s next

The Ouray Mountain Rescue Team will continue to provide backcountry search and rescue services, as well as education on safety and preparedness, to help prevent similar incidents in the future.