Skier Dies in Avalanche on Denali, Second Fatality of Climbing Season

A 29-year-old skier from Washington state lost his life on Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, after triggering an avalanche. The incident marks the second fatality of the climbing season in Denali National Park and Preserve.

Nicholas Vizzini and his snowboarding partner were descending the popular West Buttress route on June 10th when the avalanche occurred at an elevation of approximately 16,600 feet. Vizzini was swept down the mountain more than 1,500 feet in the "soft slab avalanche."

Two park mountaineering rangers, already on the mountain for acclimatization, swiftly responded to the scene. They located Vizzini buried in the avalanche debris after his partner was found on the surface. The rangers initiated CPR, but efforts were unsuccessful due to the severity of Vizzini's injuries.

Vizzini's body has been recovered and transported to the state medical examiner. His partner sustained minor injuries and was scheduled to leave the mountain the following day.

This tragedy follows another recent death on Denali. On June 2nd, a 41-year-old climber from Seattle died after a 3,000-foot fall, also on the West Buttress route.

Denali, a challenging climb that attracts adventurers worldwide, has a history of fatalities. To date, there have been about 13 avalanche-related deaths and over 130 total deaths recorded in the park's history. Currently, around 500 climbers are on the mountain.

Denali National Park and Preserve encompasses over six million acres of Alaskan wilderness. Falls are the most common cause of death in the park.

Avalanches are a significant danger in mountainous regions. The National Avalanche Center estimates that avalanches claim the lives of 25 to 30 people each winter in the United States. Backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers are particularly at risk.

Recent avalanche incidents across the United States have highlighted the dangers of winter mountain recreation. This year alone, multiple fatalities have been reported in Alaska, Utah, Oregon and California.

Climbers and outdoor enthusiasts are urged to exercise caution, check avalanche forecasts, and be prepared with appropriate safety equipment when venturing into avalanche-prone terrain.