Skier, 20, Dies After Falling 600 Feet into Ravine amid Icy Conditions on Mount Washington

Mar. 15, 2025

Mount Washington.Photo:Getty

Getty

A 20-year-old skier died after falling 600 feet into a ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, according to authorities.

The victim — identified as Madison Saltsburg — fell into the Tuckerman Ravine Saturday and “suffered fatal traumatic injuries,” according to theU.S. Forest Servicein a news release shared on Monday.

“Throughout the year, this very steep ski mountaineering terrain, and other areas around Mount Washington are subject to ever-changing mountain hazards,” per the Forest Service’s statement. “These commonly include avalanches, open crevasse holes, icy steep slopes, and falling rocks and ice. On March 9th, Saltsburg and her skiing companion were faced with hard, icy snow surfaces, open crevasse holes, and unforgiving conditions for a slip and fall.”

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The Forest Service added that an emergency team was summoned to two other skiers who experienced “traumatic injuries from rocks and ice while falling down the firm and icy snow surface.”

The conditions at the time were reportedly described as icy as first responders had to endure snow and winds. “The snow rangers and emergency personnel were up there late last night. They’re exhausted,” U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Colleen Mainville said via theAssociated Press.

According toNew Hampshire’s travel and tourism website, Tuckerman Ravine is located on the east side of Mount Washington in the White Mountain National Forest. Known for its “spectacular scenery, deep snow, and challenging terrain,” the ravine attracts thousands of visitors and is open year-round, though it is particularly popular during the spring and summer.

“No matter when you come the most important rule of thumb is to plan ahead and prepare!” the website warned. “The terrain can be overwhelming; the weather is often downright inhospitable; and the sometimes-sizeable crowds can cloud your perception of the Ravine’s actual remoteness.”

The Forest Service advised those who travel in avalanche terrain to carry such tools as crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, an avalanche beacon and a shovel. It also encourages visitors to seek information about traveling in the mountains and bring navigation tools.

Mount Washington was also the setting of a recent incident involvinga Kentucky man who had to be rescued. Joabe Barbosa, 23, was hiking on the mountain last week when he fell, hit his head and lost a shoe, per authorities.

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials said that Barbosa went off the trail and into the Ammonoosuc Ravine. “While descending into the ravine, Barbosa fell and hit his head and face, lost one of his sneakers, and eventually became hypothermic,” they added.

source: people.com