Colorado Worker Rescued from 14,230-Foot Mount Shavano After Company Retreat Gone Wrong
Staff Editor Colorado Worker Rescued After Being Stranded on 14,000-Foot Mountain During Company Retreat
A Colorado man was rescued after spending a harrowing night alone on Mount Shavano during a company retreat gone awry. The incident, which occurred on August 24, 2024, has raised questions about the safety and planning of corporate team-building exercises.
According to Chaffee County Search and Rescue South, the unnamed worker was part of a group of approximately 15 colleagues attempting to summit the 14,230-foot peak. While his coworkers decided to turn back, the man continued alone to complete the ascent.
“In what might cause some awkward encounters at the office in the coming days and weeks, one member of their party was left to complete his final summit push alone,” the rescue group stated in a Facebook post.
The man successfully reached the summit at 11:30 a.m. but became disoriented on his descent. His colleagues had removed trail markers, leaving him stranded on a treacherous boulder and scree field. Despite attempts to guide him via phone, a severe storm with freezing rain and high winds further complicated the situation, causing him to lose cell phone signal.
Chaffee County Search and Rescue South initiated a search operation at 9 p.m., deploying two teams, a drone pilot, and a helicopter. Challenging weather conditions hampered efforts throughout the night, with no sign of the missing hiker.
As nine additional search and rescue groups prepared to join the effort the following morning, the man regained cell service and made a crucial 911 call. He reported falling over 20 times and being trapped in a gully, unable to move.
“This hiker was phenomenally lucky to have regained cell service when he did, and to still have enough consciousness and wherewithal to call 911,” the rescue team noted.
The incident has sparked discussions about the potential risks associated with corporate retreats and team-building activities. In recent years, such events have faced increased scrutiny due to accidents and questionable practices.
As companies continue to organize off-site retreats, experts recommend a balanced approach that combines group activities with downtime and work-related sessions, prioritizing employee safety and well-being.
The rescue serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper planning, communication, and safety measures when undertaking outdoor activities, especially in challenging environments like Colorado’s high-altitude peaks.
