Hikers tackle the Incline despite thigh-deep snow
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The Manitou Springs Incline offers a workout like no other, with 2,744 stairs and an elevation gain exceeding 2,000 feet. But when heavy, wet snow coats its steps, the challenge reaches a whole new level.
El Paso County Search and Rescue responded to a call for help on the trail on Friday, March 15 following a massive snow storm that hit on Thursday. Search and Rescue faced several challenges as they worked in these tough conditions.
“We’ve had to use tracked vehicles,” said Tim Tichawa, support member for El Paso County Search and Rescue. “We had a couple of people out on skis earlier, they’re actively trying to get up to a sick person right now, and it’s been pretty difficult to access. We’ve had downed trees and a lot of really thigh deep, crazy amount of snow. “
No matter the weather condition, the incline poses a challenge for most hikers and for first responders trying to help them out.
“On a normal, bright summer day, it’s still fairly difficult for us to rescue people, especially from this area,” Tichawa said. “But that’s why, again, with the heavy amount of snowfall that we have on the trails, it’s much better to probably stay at home.”
Despite these conditions, hikers of all ages and levels persisted in tackling the uphill battle, with some eagerly embracing it, while others approached it with caution. Francisca Stern and John Knapp, two first-time visitors at the incline, felt ready to take on the challenge.
“This is our first time,” Stern said. “We had this trip planned for a while, so we’re just, we didn’t want to cancel it, so we’re going to do it.”
The two shared they live a “Colorado lifestyle,” spending a lot of time outdoors whether that be hiking, skiing and running. When asked if they felt ready to climb the incline, Knapp said, “I’ve not seen what it looks like up there. I think it’ll be okay and then if it looks bad, we’ll head down.”
Many others followed in their footsteps on Friday afternoon, taking on the challenge of the incline, but for one, a different strategy was used to get down.
“I decided to break a record,” Jenna Moore said. “I think I might be the first person to ever hike up the incline to the summit and then snowboard it down.”
Conquering the incline is an activity Moore loves to do, often visiting anywhere from once a week to three times a day. While she did come prepared, Moore advocated for all hikers coming out to be responsible and equipped to tackle these icy conditions.
“I got to be honest, I have done this thing so many times,” Moore said. “I’ve never seen it like this, it’s been so intense, so steep, there are points where even if you’re digging your hole into the step, it’s just sheer ice because everybody’s coming down on their butts, sliding down and that compresses the snow, so it’s just a slope of ice.”
The Manitou Springs Incline will be closed until Monday, March 18 at 6 a.m. For those who do wish to take part in recreational activities this weekend, medical experts advise to listen to your body.
“One thing is be prepared because you are going to be in a very snowy environment,” said Dr. Ian Tullberg, physician with UCHealth Urgent Care. “So be prepared with layers, make sure that you have your good boots on. If you need something with traction, get those little spikes on the end of the shoes, make sure you have the gloves… get prepared before you even go out. But then once you’re outside, you really need to listen to yourself.”
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