Search operations continued Tuesday for Squamish runner and mountaineer Kalie McCrystal after she went missing during a Matterhorn reconnaissance outing.
McCrystal was last seen on Tuesday afternoon descending the Lion’s Ridge after reaching the Matterhorn summit. The mountain, which straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland, stands 4,478 metres at its highest point.
What McCrystal was attempting
McCrystal had been training to attempt a speed record for climbing and descending the Matterhorn by its Italian route. The outing came after a busy period in which she had already posted major efforts on technical terrain.
In July, McCrystal set a fastest known time on Squamish’s highly technical Tantalus Traverse and cut three hours from the previous mark. On Aug. 14, she also set a speed record for the fastest solo ascent and descent from Zermatt via the Swiss Hörnli Ridge in six hours, 47 minutes and 33 seconds.
Search effort remains ongoing
After McCrystal was reported missing, helicopter operations were suspended while the search remained ongoing. No confirmed contact or cellphone signal from McCrystal has been reported.
She is well known in the international skyrunning community, and one description of her noted that she is an experienced skyrunner and mountaineer with many years of experience in technical and high-altitude mountain environments. It also said she has extensive knowledge and experience of alpine terrain and had previously climbed the Matterhorn.
Another statement described McCrystal as a highly respected athlete and a valued member of the worldwide skyrunning community, adding that those involved were hoping for her safe return.
