A tragic accident shook the ski community at Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. 20-year-old skier Madison Saltsburg lost her life after falling 600 vertical feet down the ravine. Two other skiers also suffered serious injuries after hitting rocks and ice during the accident.
Search efforts continued for hours in the dark to rescue the injured skiers and recover Saltsburg’s body. Tuckerman Ravine is well-known for its steep bowl and attracts expert skiers and snowboarders seeking adventure. However, the area comes with its risks including open crevasses, avalanches, and rocks, which have tragically resulted in several deaths over the years.
Mount Washington itself is notorious for its fickle weather conditions and frequent rescues. Just the night before Saltsburg’s accident, a 23-year-old hiker had to be rescued after going off the trail into the Ammonoosuc Ravine. Rescues are not uncommon on the mountain, with one hiker who was rescued in February speaking about his ordeal and crediting the rescuers with saving his life.
The ski community is mourning the loss of Madison Saltsburg and sending thoughts and prayers to the injured skiers and their families. It serves as a reminder of the dangers and risks that come with extreme sports, especially in unpredictable mountain terrains like Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”