Three climbers from the United States and Canada are missing after planning to climb New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki, authorities said Tuesday.
Kurt Blair, 56, of Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, of California, are certified alpine guides, according to the American Mountain Guides Association website. New Zealand police did not name the Canadian climber in a statement, citing a need to notify his family.
The men headed to a hut halfway up the mountain to begin their climb on Saturday and were reported missing on Monday when they failed to meet their pre-arranged transport after the climb. Searchers found several climbing items believed to belong to the men hours later, but no trace of them, police said.
The search could not resume on Tuesday because of poor weather conditions on Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook, with heavy rain and snowfall forecast. Conditions are expected to improve on Thursday, before the expedition can resume.
Aoraki is 3,724 metres (12,218 feet) high and is part of the Southern Alps, a beautiful and snowy mountain range that stretches the length of New Zealand’s South Island. A settlement of the same name at its base is a destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
The peak is popular with experienced climbers. Its terrain is technically difficult due to crevasses, avalanche risk, changing weather and glacier movement.
More than 240 deaths have been recorded on the mountain and surrounding national park since the beginning of the 20th century.