By admin 
Search and rescue teams found the body of a climber who died in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, officials said Friday, but because of extremely technical terrain, recovery operations won’t begin until next week.
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The climber was reported overdue to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, according to a news release. Authorities did not know the climber’s intended route or itinerary, but notes inside the climber’s rental car related to climbing the Maroon Bells, southwest of Aspen.
A Mountain Rescue Aspen member flew with CareFlight of the Rockies crew to conduct an aerial search of the area and found the hiker Thursday, the sheriff’s office said.
Rescuers plan to recover the body Tuesday. The U.S. Forest Service has closed Maroon Peak to allow crews to conduct the recovery.
The sheriff’s office said the name of the climber will be released after the body is recovered and the family has been notified.
The Maroon Bells are 14,000-foot mountains known for their distinctive bell-shaped peaks that tower over Maroon Lake and their technical terrain. Maroon Peak, at 14,163 feet, is “among the most difficult and dangerous standard 14er routes,” with high exposure, high rockfall and extreme route-finding, according to 14ers.com. North Maroon Peak, at 14,022-feet, is rated similarly for its technical and exposed terrain.
The climber’s death prompted sheriff’s officials and Mountain Rescue Aspen to remind backcountry travelers to leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted person before heading out. The itinerary should include the intended route, expected return time and any contingency plans.
Backcountry travelers should also carry the appropriate equipment and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions. Colorado Search and Rescue Association recommends bringing the “10 essentials,” which include food and extra water, sun protection, daily medications, travel first-aid kid, headlamp with extra batteries and an emergency shelter like a bivy or blanket.
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