The epidemiology of mountaineering and rock climbing accidents

From 1981 through 1986, 43631 climbers registered for climbs in the Grand Teton National Park, USA. There were 108 climbing accidents. The accident incidence was 2.5 accidents per 1000 climbers per year, or 5.6 accidents per 10000 climber-hours. There were 23 fatal accidents and 25 fatalities. Mountaineering appears to be a more hazardous activity than rock climbing; travel over snow or ice-covered terrain accounted for high numbers of accidents, climber errors, and fatalities. Effective use of proper equipment (ice axes and helmets), climber experience, self-reliance in difficult situations, and appreciation for the dangers involved in mixed (rock and snow) climbing are all preventive factors that can decrease accidents and injuries among climbers.