Crestone Needle 19 Sept 2020

The Colorado Hoist Rescue Team performs a hoist operation saving a hiker who is cliffed out. The hikers climbing buddy was previously evacuated due to injury. (Video by Dale Atkins, used with permission)

[@adamoppenheim]

Amazing to see this. I had a close call in nearly the exact same spot about 28 years ago (sudden snow storm with lightning, combined with a less experienced partner). The rescue is from a ledge just below the crux pitch. Only 5.7 (as long as you are not off-route), but at 14,000' with wild exposure. Extremely serious place.

[@Shred_Tube]

Theres a mini-documentary on this same exact rescue mission. Truly amazing at how dangerous this rescue was and the effort and precision of the entire rescue team. Dale Atkins is such a badass

[@thisisgettingold]

The way they dot him onto that ledge twice gives off "babe, he's just a friend, I swear" energy

[@Vector2112]

Wow! Incredible footage. That guy was extremely fortunate. When climbing the Needle, route finding is paramount. Placing markers is also a good idea, especially to know where to cross back over to east gulley on the descent.

[@Elkski84]

If you need markers you shouldn't be up there

[@Vector2112]

@@Elkski84 "well, that's just ...like, your opinion, man."

[@Elkski84]

@@Vector2112 the truth hurts

[@Vector2112]

@@Elkski84 Nah, I just value preparedness and competence over chest-beating elitism any day of the week, but best of luck with that, my friend! 😊

[@Elkski84]

@@Vector2112 littering the mountain with markers is not being prepared 🤣

[@ToblerX]

Incredible. I remember seeing the videos last year from the Peak.

[@nicksangetta8874]

Holy moly. That was intense.

[@thomasclark8119]

That sticker is so old, Fort Collins Brewey has been gone for years

[@jplongenecker]

Wow

[@jacobmorin485]

What MOS gets to do this

[@scoutndad1941]

Wonder what injury he had.

[@herenow3287]

Looks like he descended the wrong route and got cliffed out

[@Jim-be8sj]

Amazing rescue. Sadly, most of the time one sees military aircraft in a setting like that, the job being done is looking for a body. This happy ending is way better in every respect.

[@edwhitaker8247]

Go CONG & CHRT life saving mission at 13,800 ft msl.

[@TR-nw8hz]

Sucks to suck