RescueOutcome: Rescued by SARLost
Rescue — Valley Way Trail, Feb 27, 2025
·Valley Way Trail
17-year-old male from Stratham, NH · party of 3
Aiden Shaw, 17, became lost off Valley Way Trail after suffering a boot malfunction during a Presidential Traverse attempt with two companions. He became mired in deep snow near Snyder Brook, abandoned his pack including his light source, and was too wet, cold, and exhausted to self-rescue. AVSAR volunteers reached him at 8:17 p.m., treated his foot for cold weather injuries, provided footwear, and escorted him out, arriving at the trailhead at 10:36 p.m.
What we can learn
Rescuers noted that the hikers realized plans change in the high peaks during winter months; the party lacked an emergency shelter despite attempting a multi-peak winter traverse.
Contributing factors
Off trailNo headlampNo emergency shelterNovice in winter terrain