Full Breakdown
Rescue Operation on Mount Moosilauke: Two Skiers Saved from Blizzard Conditions
1/20/2026, 12:49:09 AM
Incident Overview
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, two skiers from Massachusetts, Romain Tronchi, 30, of Cambridge, and Gabriel Mahe, 32, of Somerville, were rescued from waist-deep snow on Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department received a distress call at approximately 4:55 p.m., reporting that the skiers had become lost due to blizzard-like conditions, including strong winds and low visibility.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams, including conservation officers and volunteers from the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team, mobilized quickly. They utilized snowmobiles to travel four miles up the mountain before continuing on foot for an additional mile and a half through challenging terrain. The rescuers faced "extremely deep snow and thick trees," which delayed their progress. The skiers were located around 11 p.m. and were successfully guided back to the trail. The entire rescue operation concluded by 2 a.m. the following day, with no injuries reported among the skiers.
Conditions Faced by the Skiers
At the time of their rescue, Tronchi and Mahe reported having only 2% battery life left on their cell phones and lacked essential gear, such as warm clothing or light sources. Their situation was exacerbated by the severe weather conditions, which made navigation difficult and led to their disorientation on the mountain.
Official Statements & Responses
The Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team highlighted the challenging conditions faced during the rescue, noting that "the conditions and terrain made for slow travel getting the lost skiers back to the trail." They emphasized the importance of being prepared for adverse weather when engaging in outdoor activities.
Criticism & Opposition
While no specific criticisms were reported regarding the skiers' actions, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with skiing in severe weather conditions. Previous incidents, such as the death of skier Eric Page in April 2025 at a nearby ski area, underscore the potential dangers of off-trail skiing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “due to strong winds and no visibility, they had lost the trail and were stuck in waist deep snow.” — Romain Tronchi, Skier
- “The conditions and terrain made for slow travel getting the lost skiers back to the trail, but once on the trail rescuers and rescuers were able to hike out to the snowmobiles and returned safely to the trailhead by 2 a.m.,” — Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team
What's Next
Following this incident, local authorities may consider enhancing safety measures and public awareness campaigns regarding skiing in adverse weather conditions. The rescue operation's success highlights the dedication of search and rescue teams in ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts.
