ABOUT THE HELICOPTER RESCUE TL;DR: I was (possibly) suffering from altitude sickness-diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and stomach cramps-and was already on my planned bail-out route. The snow conditions were worsening rapidly, and I was too weak to retrace my steps. With bad weather forecasted for the next day, I needed to descend immediately to alleviate my symptoms. After carefully weighing my options, I contacted rescue via my Garmin InReach for advice. I didn’t ask for extraction lightly, but I preferred being rescued now rather than putting others at risk in a storm. I had planned this trek in April, typically an ideal time for winter hiking: no fresh snow, solid snowpack, mild temperatures, and longer days. But this year was different. Winter started late, and an unusually warm spring left the snow softer than usual. From the outset, I noticed the challenging conditions: even with snowshoes, I was sinking too deep, and only the early mornings offered solid enough snow for snowshoeing. Despite this, I set out from Chamonix, knowing that softer snow increased the risk of wet avalanches. After completing the first stage, I decided to skip the next two, which crossed steep, avalanche-prone terrain. This also meant missing two crucial acclimatization days, taking me from sea level to camping at 3,000 meters in just 48 hours. I felt unwell at this altitude, experiencing poor sleep, headaches, stomach issues, and diarrhea. I have recently hiked Kilimanjaro, rapidly ascending from sea level to 3,600 meters for the first night, without any issues. However, this time felt different, perhaps due to the cold or overexertion. On day 4, I woke early to take advantage of the icy morning snow. My plan was to cross three passes before reaching the next town, carefully planned with three exit routes in case of trouble. Progress was smooth in the morning, and I had crossed the first two passes by 11 a.m. However, things quickly deteriorated. The snow turned soft again, and even with snowshoes, I was sinking knee-deep, occasionally breaking through hidden snow bridges up to my waist. As the snow softened, avalanche risk grew. Several avalanches had already come down along my intended route, and I began to feel progressively worse - headaches intensified and weakness set in. It was time to abandon the plan. The exit route I chose involved a sketchy service road above a reservoir, with steep slopes and older avalanche debris to cross. The route was grueling, but I made it to a series of tunnels leading toward the main road. Feeling relieved, I thought I was almost out - until I encountered a thick wall of ice blocking the first tunnel’s exit. It was too solid to hack through, and the surrounding terrain was too steep to bypass. My plan B had failed. With no way forward and avalanche risk too high to backtrack, I had no choice but to stop. I suspected altitude sickness, but regardless of the cause, I was weakening by the hour, and the worsening weather forecast for the next day meant staying put wasn’t safe. I weighed my options: pressing on was impossible, retreating was too dangerous, and waiting would only put rescuers at risk in the coming storm. After much consideration, I decided to press my Garmin SOS button - not necessarily for an extraction but to explore options I hadn’t considered. Garmin’s team was professional, and after reviewing the situation, it was clear the only choice was a helicopter rescue. I was connected to local search and rescue, and 30 minutes later a helicopter arrived. Unable to land on the narrow service road, they lowered a rescuer on a cable, and I was hooked up and airlifted out. The experience was surreal, and the team was incredibly professional. Once safely in the valley, my dad picked me up. Only then did I fully grasp how far I had pushed myself: with adrenaline gone, I began vomiting and felt too sick to sit up for hours. I spent the next two nights recovering in a B&B before resuming my journey. Lessons Learned: No matter how well you plan, conditions can change, and things can go wrong. I had multiple exit routes and was prepared to adjust, but the combination of snow conditions, sickness, and weather created a perfect storm of challenges. Sharing this story is a reminder that even with thorough preparation, having a satellite communicator adds an essential layer of safety in unpredictable situations. You can’t always control nature, but you can control how prepared you are when things go sideways.
Wow man, thanks for that story. If you had said you planned carefully or not, anyone knows you are a planner and that extraction was nothing taken lightly. Thank you for sharing. Always great reminders.
Wow, that is incredible. Again, thank you for sharing. That all sounded so frightening. So glad for rescue and that your dad came. Best wishes on your journey.
I'm always amazed by the fact you are able to go for these adventures alone. This really needs a lot of experience and peace of mind. You are a great inspiration. Thank you for your great work.
Garmin appears to offer separate search and rescue insurance plans that cover costs associated with evacuation, helicopter flights included. From my understanding helicopter rescues can be extremely expensive so it would seem to be worth the extra $40 yearly fee if someone is planning on hiking in very remote or inaccessible terrain. I wonder if your snowshoe hike below 4000 meters would be categorized as "mountain climbing" by the insurance and therefore fall into the SAR "high risk" category, which is quite a bit more expensive. Any insight you could offer would be helpful for those of us considering one of these devices and associated extra insurance. Thanks, and great video as usual.
Wow, Harmen finally I see the Alps through your lens and editing skills. You are one of the toughest and most skilled hikers and filmmakers I have ever seen, if someone like you asks for a rescue team it really must be necessary and that means something. Glad for you that the Garmin InReach worked. God bless you, brother!
In the UK there is a saying, "discretion is the better part of valour". When we go up into the high Alps, if conditions are not 'right' we thank Jesus for what we have experienced and turn back..."the mountain will still be there tomorrow".
The Alps? I press play. Harmen Hoek? I press play. The 2 of them mixed? I know it's gonna be beautiful and of course it is. Even though this one was physically challenging for Harmen, for us it's been a real delight to watch. Thank you, take care and lesson learned Harmen!👍❤
12:52 Maybe the snow you took at that moment was contaminated? 21:03 That's an expensive "drone" shot right there! Is that the Maxus 80L you carried on this trip? What are your general thoughts on it? Glad you're ok!
Absolute respect Harmen. Under pressure you still executed an incredibly stunning and insightful piece of art. I call it art because that is what your videos feel like to me. Thank you for sharing it with us.
18:48 a 22:50 : Cara isso foi incrível e emocionante. Que experiência. Uma boa história a ser contada aos amigos pro resto da vida, e com boas imagens 😊. Obrigado Harmen por esse vídeo. Saudações de São Paulo - Brasil.
Dear Harmen! I always look forward to your films. Thank you very much. For me there are two delights in life, nature and music. And I want to say that I admire you as much as nature and music. Once again, thank you very much.
Sir, how do you physically training to hike so many high mountains with extreme weather? I'm 17 years old but I want to know how hikers train their bodies to be that strong. Please give me tips, Mr Harmen, your videos are good as always❤
Utterly amazing cinematography and music score Harmen, hats off to both you and Thomas. I see at 21:43 you're already signing the credit card authorization for the helicopter rescue, even before you land! Having red smoke flares available to use is a good idea to take in similar conditions next time, as it also gives the pilot an indication of the wind direction :)
Harmen, that intro (and the views in general)... I could cry! The mountain views are always like meeting the love of your life again without even knowing how hard you missed them. I know, cheesy, but for me it feels that way. Thank you for taking us with you, for sharing your journey, the good and the bad. So sad you had to be rescued but those shots were great as well and better save than sorry And I love that you didn't stop after that rescue. Your video is - again - so very good, great work, I've enjoyed every second. Thank you!
You are such an incredible brave man to go dolo hiking in all these extreme, difficult and dangerous places. Such stunning videos - thanks for sharing all these incredible places with us.
Thank you for sharing this story, which luckily ended well thanks to your thoughtful actions and the safety of a Garmin InReach. It's almost a must, especially when you're traveling alone in lonely and unpredictable nature. All the best for your further wonderful tours. Best regards from the Black Forest (Germany)
Harmen's videos keep getting insanely good with every iteration. Now, they are starting to rival even the best of nature documentaries ever made like Our Planet by Netflix. I can't wait to see the heights that this channel will go to. I always notice Harmen taking notes during his travels. If he ever publishes a book, I am definitely buying it. Keep up the amazing work Harmen. You may not realise it, but you are saving lives with this work. Also, great background score. Kudos!
Tes images sont extraordinairements belles🤩🤩ton montagne tout aussi remarquable, j'aie tellement aimé ces espaces et la beauté de la montagne en demie saison❤...Tu es une personne humble!🙏🙏👏
Wow! Stunning cinematography and artistry as usual from my favorite hiking TH-camr. Relieved you're okay and deeply appreciate the vulnerability in sharing your experience being rescued despite your thorough plans and exit routes. As someone who also films their own solo hiking/backpacking experiences, you're on an entirely different level and I have mad respect for your quality and artistry in creating these films for us all to enjoy. Thanks again!
Wonderful hiking experience. The Haute Route in winter is certainly a daring undertaking. Yet, the scenes are just unrivaling. Just wonder how much that extraction would cost.
Glad you are fine, Harmen! Top notch video as always. Two questions - should we wait for Kilimanjaro video? And what was there in a metal part of a hut?
Hi Rebecca! Is that you?! Wow, how amazing to read your comment here. Thank you! I'm coming to Nepal again next month! I definitely plan on stopping by if you're still there!
Tidak sabar menunggu video ini, semua video mu luar biasa🙌aku bisa melihat keindahan dunia lewat video videomuu, tetap semangat dan jaga kesehatanmu pak harmen😁
ABOUT THE HELICOPTER RESCUE
TL;DR: I was (possibly) suffering from altitude sickness-diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and stomach cramps-and was already on my planned bail-out route. The snow conditions were worsening rapidly, and I was too weak to retrace my steps. With bad weather forecasted for the next day, I needed to descend immediately to alleviate my symptoms. After carefully weighing my options, I contacted rescue via my Garmin InReach for advice. I didn’t ask for extraction lightly, but I preferred being rescued now rather than putting others at risk in a storm.
I had planned this trek in April, typically an ideal time for winter hiking: no fresh snow, solid snowpack, mild temperatures, and longer days. But this year was different. Winter started late, and an unusually warm spring left the snow softer than usual. From the outset, I noticed the challenging conditions: even with snowshoes, I was sinking too deep, and only the early mornings offered solid enough snow for snowshoeing. Despite this, I set out from Chamonix, knowing that softer snow increased the risk of wet avalanches.
After completing the first stage, I decided to skip the next two, which crossed steep, avalanche-prone terrain. This also meant missing two crucial acclimatization days, taking me from sea level to camping at 3,000 meters in just 48 hours. I felt unwell at this altitude, experiencing poor sleep, headaches, stomach issues, and diarrhea. I have recently hiked Kilimanjaro, rapidly ascending from sea level to 3,600 meters for the first night, without any issues. However, this time felt different, perhaps due to the cold or overexertion.
On day 4, I woke early to take advantage of the icy morning snow. My plan was to cross three passes before reaching the next town, carefully planned with three exit routes in case of trouble. Progress was smooth in the morning, and I had crossed the first two passes by 11 a.m. However, things quickly deteriorated. The snow turned soft again, and even with snowshoes, I was sinking knee-deep, occasionally breaking through hidden snow bridges up to my waist. As the snow softened, avalanche risk grew. Several avalanches had already come down along my intended route, and I began to feel progressively worse - headaches intensified and weakness set in. It was time to abandon the plan.
The exit route I chose involved a sketchy service road above a reservoir, with steep slopes and older avalanche debris to cross. The route was grueling, but I made it to a series of tunnels leading toward the main road. Feeling relieved, I thought I was almost out - until I encountered a thick wall of ice blocking the first tunnel’s exit. It was too solid to hack through, and the surrounding terrain was too steep to bypass. My plan B had failed.
With no way forward and avalanche risk too high to backtrack, I had no choice but to stop. I suspected altitude sickness, but regardless of the cause, I was weakening by the hour, and the worsening weather forecast for the next day meant staying put wasn’t safe. I weighed my options: pressing on was impossible, retreating was too dangerous, and waiting would only put rescuers at risk in the coming storm.
After much consideration, I decided to press my Garmin SOS button - not necessarily for an extraction but to explore options I hadn’t considered. Garmin’s team was professional, and after reviewing the situation, it was clear the only choice was a helicopter rescue. I was connected to local search and rescue, and 30 minutes later a helicopter arrived. Unable to land on the narrow service road, they lowered a rescuer on a cable, and I was hooked up and airlifted out. The experience was surreal, and the team was incredibly professional.
Once safely in the valley, my dad picked me up. Only then did I fully grasp how far I had pushed myself: with adrenaline gone, I began vomiting and felt too sick to sit up for hours. I spent the next two nights recovering in a B&B before resuming my journey.
Lessons Learned:
No matter how well you plan, conditions can change, and things can go wrong. I had multiple exit routes and was prepared to adjust, but the combination of snow conditions, sickness, and weather created a perfect storm of challenges. Sharing this story is a reminder that even with thorough preparation, having a satellite communicator adds an essential layer of safety in unpredictable situations. You can’t always control nature, but you can control how prepared you are when things go sideways.
Wow man, thanks for that story. If you had said you planned carefully or not, anyone knows you are a planner and that extraction was nothing taken lightly.
Thank you for sharing. Always great reminders.
Wow, that is incredible. Again, thank you for sharing. That all sounded so frightening. So glad for rescue and that your dad came. Best wishes on your journey.
Glad you are safe, brother. Isn't always easy to predict what almighty nature has in store for us.
What a wild story, thanks for sharing the details, well we watching the video this week. Take care!
I'm always amazed by the fact you are able to go for these adventures alone. This really needs a lot of experience and peace of mind. You are a great inspiration. Thank you for your great work.
Such a privilege to work on this with you, Harmen! I hope everyone enjoys the film
Amazing Stuff! That change in tone when the Rescue part started was really cool :)
Your music was perfect! Well done. It was a joy to watch and listen.
Wow it was absolutely beautiful, complemented one another so great, keep it up guys
Excellent work!
Garmin appears to offer separate search and rescue insurance plans that cover costs associated with evacuation, helicopter flights included. From my understanding helicopter rescues can be extremely expensive so it would seem to be worth the extra $40 yearly fee if someone is planning on hiking in very remote or inaccessible terrain. I wonder if your snowshoe hike below 4000 meters would be categorized as "mountain climbing" by the insurance and therefore fall into the SAR "high risk" category, which is quite a bit more expensive. Any insight you could offer would be helpful for those of us considering one of these devices and associated extra insurance. Thanks, and great video as usual.
Very good point!
How does this dude have less than a million+ subs?!?!
Because not many people are interested in the real world &
you can’t get a phone signal in the sticks.
Wow, Harmen finally I see the Alps through your lens and editing skills. You are one of the toughest and most skilled hikers and filmmakers I have ever seen, if someone like you asks for a rescue team it really must be necessary and that means something. Glad for you that the Garmin InReach worked. God bless you, brother!
In the UK there is a saying, "discretion is the better part of valour". When we go up into the high Alps, if conditions are not 'right' we thank Jesus for what we have experienced and turn back..."the mountain will still be there tomorrow".
Well said (;
Thanks for your work 🙏 there is no shame in being rescued. Sometimes the body and nature dont cooperate
Love your work, hope everything is ok!
Thanks, all is well!
Glad to see your project is now published. The incident is a good lesson for us all. Hope to see you in 2025.
The Alps? I press play. Harmen Hoek? I press play.
The 2 of them mixed? I know it's gonna be beautiful and of course it is.
Even though this one was physically challenging for Harmen, for us it's been a real delight to watch. Thank you, take care and lesson learned Harmen!👍❤
Hiked near there when I was 19, way back in 1977. Thanks Harmen!! Absolutely beautiful job capturing this wild place. Many thanks, Jul
12:52 Maybe the snow you took at that moment was contaminated?
21:03 That's an expensive "drone" shot right there!
Is that the Maxus 80L you carried on this trip? What are your general thoughts on it?
Glad you're ok!
Absolute respect Harmen. Under pressure you still executed an incredibly stunning and insightful piece of art. I call it art because that is what your videos feel like to me. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Mesmerizing, astounding, contemplative, a gemstone.
Thank you Harmen, and Thomas J. White for the music.
Really appreciate your kind words!
18:48 a 22:50 : Cara isso foi incrível e emocionante. Que experiência. Uma boa história a ser contada aos amigos pro resto da vida, e com boas imagens 😊. Obrigado Harmen por esse vídeo. Saudações de São Paulo - Brasil.
Thank you so much! Glad you felt the emotion-it’s definitely a story to remember! Greetings to São Paulo! 😊
WOW RESPEKT !!!!!! Weiterhin alles Liebe und Gute, auf allen deinen Wegen.
Fantastic film! Incredible cinematography, composition, music, etc! Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! Really happy you liked the film and the music! 🙌
Heb jou als speciale ZEN map gemaakt in mijn youtube...Dit is echt weer schitterend! 😲😲🙏🏼🎉
Dear Harmen! I always look forward to your films. Thank you very much. For me there are two delights in life, nature and music. And I want to say that I admire you as much as nature and music. Once again, thank you very much.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to know my work brings you joy. (:
Wow! I have never know you to ever call for a rescue but thank god you did I am glad you did 🙏🙌💯❣️
Thanks, it was a tough call, but I’m glad it all worked out! 🙏🙌
Sir, how do you physically training to hike so many high mountains with extreme weather? I'm 17 years old but I want to know how hikers train their bodies to be that strong. Please give me tips, Mr Harmen, your videos are good as always❤
Utterly amazing cinematography and music score Harmen, hats off to both you and Thomas.
I see at 21:43 you're already signing the credit card authorization for the helicopter rescue, even before you land!
Having red smoke flares available to use is a good idea to take in similar conditions next time, as it also gives the pilot an indication of the wind direction :)
I have been waiting for this video about the helicopter rescue.. but also I know this will be epic especially with the music. Excited to watch!
Cant wait for this, never stop uploading Harmen, your'e a big inspiration to me! 😎
Happy to hear that!
wonderful shots. I'm glad it came down safely
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the shots, and happy it all ended safely! 😊
Love your work! Hope you are well.
Thank you! I'm doing fine! This was in April - bunch of stuff went wrong and I got sick, nothing too serious in the end.
Great to see that you are ok and this is the first time I'v seen that the Inreach is working 👍
Inspiring, epic, tragic, thank God nothing worse happened.
Thank you! It was quite the experience, and I’m grateful it turned out okay in the end. 🙏
"Helicopter Rescue". Is everything alright??
Yes, I'm doing fine, thanks! It was a bunch of things going wrong at once and me not feeling well. I will share the full story on Friday!
@@HarmenHoekoh man, glad to hear you are ok, sounds like an exciting story b
Glad you were prepared and made it out safely. We appreciate you sharing it’s always good to be prepared. 👍
Incredible, so beautiful.. I'm so thankful, thank you for sharing this beautiful moment with us. Real work of art
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another great experience . Excellent video , magical landscapes . I am happy that you are safe :) Waiting for the new adventure .
Thank you! More adventures coming soon!
Harmen, that intro (and the views in general)... I could cry! The mountain views are always like meeting the love of your life again without even knowing how hard you missed them. I know, cheesy, but for me it feels that way.
Thank you for taking us with you, for sharing your journey, the good and the bad. So sad you had to be rescued but those shots were great as well and better save than sorry And I love that you didn't stop after that rescue.
Your video is - again - so very good, great work, I've enjoyed every second. Thank you!
Wow, thank you so much for sharing that-it means a lot! I’m happy you enjoyed the film, and your support keeps me going! 🙏😊
Just as brilliant as usual Harmen. You are a brave person, but thank you for showing such wonders and beauty in times so confusing and confronting!
Thank you so much!
You are such an incredible brave man to go dolo hiking in all these extreme, difficult and dangerous places. Such stunning videos - thanks for sharing all these incredible places with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot, and I’m happy to share these places with you! 😊
love your job and I learn so much from it, thanks for keeping it up!
Thanks, will do!
Thank you for sharing this story, which luckily ended well thanks to your thoughtful actions and the safety of a Garmin InReach. It's almost a must, especially when you're traveling alone in lonely and unpredictable nature. All the best for your further wonderful tours.
Best regards from the Black Forest (Germany)
Thank you! The InReach gives a lot of peace of mind out there. Appreciate your support!
stunning video work as always. also a good reminder to have the heli rescue insurance. you just never know!
Thank you! And yes, rescue insurance is a must-better safe than sorry!
Harmen's videos keep getting insanely good with every iteration. Now, they are starting to rival even the best of nature documentaries ever made like Our Planet by Netflix. I can't wait to see the heights that this channel will go to. I always notice Harmen taking notes during his travels. If he ever publishes a book, I am definitely buying it. Keep up the amazing work Harmen. You may not realise it, but you are saving lives with this work. Also, great background score. Kudos!
Wow, thank you so much for your amazing support! Your kind words mean a lot, and who knows, maybe a book one day! 😊
Next level outdoor filming. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Harmen got beamed up! And still manages to take some epic footage in a crisis!
Haha, thank you (:
Guy makes it look so easy and fun but in reality it’s hard work !
Haha true, but if you enjoy it, it’s worth every bit of effort
Tes images sont extraordinairements belles🤩🤩ton montagne tout aussi remarquable, j'aie tellement aimé ces espaces et la beauté de la montagne en demie saison❤...Tu es une personne humble!🙏🙏👏
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the beauty of the mountains! 😊🙏
L200, thumbs up! Thanks Harmen for noticing my comment on your live chat, that was really amazing😊
Beautiful music, film and photos 👌.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Incredible journey and wonderful video!
Thank you very much!
Wow! Stunning cinematography and artistry as usual from my favorite hiking TH-camr. Relieved you're okay and deeply appreciate the vulnerability in sharing your experience being rescued despite your thorough plans and exit routes. As someone who also films their own solo hiking/backpacking experiences, you're on an entirely different level and I have mad respect for your quality and artistry in creating these films for us all to enjoy. Thanks again!
I didn't understand why once inside the cave You called for helicopter rescue. I didn't understand what happened to you.
He left a comment to explain the situation. I think its pinned on top of the commrnt section.
Yes, check the pinned comment - a bunch of stuff going wrong at once. Let me know if you have more questions!
How much did you have to pay for the helicopter rescue? By the way, you're a great man 🤟🏻🤟🏻
WTF looks like a movie, im in 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Awesome to hear that! Hope you enjoy the journey! 👍🎬
Absolutely stunning videography and editing with a beautiful soundtrack. 😎😎😎
Wonderful hiking experience.
The Haute Route in winter is certainly a daring undertaking. Yet, the scenes are just unrivaling.
Just wonder how much that extraction would cost.
Glad you are fine, Harmen! Top notch video as always. Two questions - should we wait for Kilimanjaro video? And what was there in a metal part of a hut?
Mooie tekst van job op het eind😃👌
Bedankt! (:
Hola Harmen: Tremendous video. Good to hear you came out ok. This video requires another view. Take care, Hilda
Heel benieuwd naar deze wandeling! En wat gaaf dat de muziek speciaal gecomponeerd is voor deze video!
outstanding as always. thank you.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Merci de me ramener à mon Chamonix adoré ❤
Été/hiver pendant de très très nombreuses années ... De bas en haut et de haut en bas 😝🙏
Such splendid isolation... great work.
I am looking forward to seeing this video. Hope that you didn't get hurt. Cheers!
атмосферно!) респект из России!
Thank you!
can’t wait to watch this, been waiting for it
Thank you!
just got back from Zermatt! i can’t wait for this one!!!
Big fan form India...❤❤
Thanks!
We are very proud of you❤
Hi Rebecca! Is that you?! Wow, how amazing to read your comment here. Thank you! I'm coming to Nepal again next month! I definitely plan on stopping by if you're still there!
Stay safe love 😊🙏🙌
Thanks so much! I’ll stay safe out there. Take care! 🙌😊
Thanks for sharing and glad that you are ok!
Spectacular!
Thank you!
Tidak sabar menunggu video ini, semua video mu luar biasa🙌aku bisa melihat keindahan dunia lewat video videomuu, tetap semangat dan jaga kesehatanmu pak harmen😁
Thank you, will do! (:
Kalem mas, ojok lebay
Sekali sekali mas😂@@WN_Production
Wow❤
So happy you liked it! 😊
Thanks!
Thank you too!
I'm looking forward to it💯
👋👋👋🤙🤙👍👍👍
Thanks
Take care
Will do!
IMPRESIONANTE!!! BRAVO
Ohh, come on...
Looking forward to it!
tôi yêu bạn
😍🤩
❤
❤❤
pathetic
Sorry to hear you feel that way.