Hiker loses vital signs on Taiwan peak as 4 remain stranded

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A hiker lost vital signs from hypothermia on Taiwan's Xue Mountain (雪山) Saturday (Dec. 27) as four companions remained stranded Sunday. Heavy snow prevented helicopter rescue operations on Sunday, according to the Taichung City Fire Bureau (台中市消防局). The incident marks at least the second cold-weather fatality in a week as authorities warn inexperienced climbers are ignoring dangerous winter conditions ahead of New Year celebrations. Rescue teams have not established contact with the stranded group despite deploying ground crews early Sunday morning.

The five-person team encountered trouble near Boke'er Mountain Grassland (博可爾草原) on Xue Mountain West Peak (雪山西峰) at 4:44 p.m. Saturday, where snow accumulation reached 30 centimeters (11.8 inches). Rescue teams from Lishan Fire Station (梨山分隊) stayed overnight at Wuling (武陵), a staging area in the mountains, and departed early Sunday, but have not established contact with the stranded group. The identities, ages, and experience levels of the hikers were not disclosed, and it remains unclear whether they carried required cold-weather equipment.

The Shei-Pa National Park Administration (雪霸國家公園管理處), Taiwan's mountain park authority, has recorded two hypothermia-related deaths in recent days, despite intensified safety warnings since mid-December, before the strongest cold air mass arrived. Park officials did not provide details about the first fatality. The administration stated Sunday that winter climbing risk is exceptionally high, with low temperatures and wind chill effects proving highly lethal, expressing regret over the accidents in the park's high-altitude areas.

The timing raises concerns about holiday climbing pressure ahead of New Year holiday as inexperienced hikers attempt winter trekking. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (中央氣象署), the national meteorological agency, has issued a warning that New Year's Eve and New Year's Day will remain cool, with rain expected in mountainous regions. Another cold air mass is expected to arrive on Tuesday evening (Dec. 30), potentially bringing extended severe cold conditions to high-altitude areas. Park officials emphasized that long-distance routes lack shelter facilities, severely limiting retreat options when the weather deteriorates rapidly.

Authorities have announced new winter regulations, effective through March 31, that require online permit applications to be accompanied by documentation for snow climbing equipment and safety gear. The park administration requested enhanced equipment inspections at trailheads and urged hikers to carry satellite positioning devices for emergency communication. Communication coverage remains poor in high-altitude mountain areas, and it was not reported what medical interventions the four stranded companions attempted or whether they possessed emergency medical training to assist the victim. ◼


>>> WINTER HIKING ADVISORY: Severe winter conditions affecting Taiwan's high-altitude mountains. Before climbing: Obtain online permits with equipment documentation, check weather forecasts, carry proper gear and sub-zero sleeping bags, satellite devices, and 3+ days of emergency supplies. Inexperienced climbers should NOT attempt winter trekking. During climb: Monitor weather continuously, recognize hypothermia symptoms (shivering, confusion, drowsiness), turn back if conditions worsen. Routes lack shelter facilities. In an emergency: Activate beacon, treat hypothermia (shelter, remove wet clothing, gradual warming), prepare for delayed rescue — helicopters cannot operate in poor weather conditions. Emergency contacts: Mountain rescue 119