72-Year-Old Hiker Rescued Near Lonesome Lake Hut Following Fall In Franconia

FRANCONIA, NH — A Massachusetts man was rescued from the White Mountains on Sunday morning after a fall on the ice left him unable to hike out of the backcountry.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was notified just before 9:00 AM by Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) staff that a guest at the Lonesome Lake Hut had sustained a leg injury. The hiker, identified as 72-year-old Steven Gabis of Clinton, Massachusetts, had reportedly slipped on a patch of ice while walking near the hut’s perimeter.

Gabis had reached the hut with a group the previous day. While the group was described as "well-prepared," the morning ice proved treacherous. Following the 8:00 AM accident, AMC staff provided initial stabilization of Gabis until professional rescuers arrived.

Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, with eight volunteers, met at the Lafayette Campground trailhead. Rescuers began their ascent at 10:00 AM and reached the hut by 11:00 AM.

After being secured in a rescue sled, Gabis was transported down the mountain by the rescue party, arriving back at the trailhead at 12:20 PM. Gabis and his hiking party expressed deep gratitude to the volunteers and staff involved in the evacuation.

New Hampshire Fish and Game emphasizes that even for prepared hikers, deep snow and ice require specialized equipment.

"With deep snow and icy trail conditions, proper footwear is a must, and traction devices and snowshoes are a necessity."

Hikers planning trips into the White Mountains are encouraged to visit hikesafe.com for essential safety guidelines and gear lists.