Search and rescue volunteers plucked two climbers off the Remarkables mountain range yesterday morning after one climber became concerned about the condition of the other man as they sheltered overnight high on the freezing mountain.
Rescuers using night-vision equipment were flown up in a daring rescue mission before daybreak yesterday but their helicopter was beaten back by high winds and snow.
The Queenstown climbers, both aged 25, were discharged from Lakes District Hospital yesterday afternoon after they were flown off the south face of Single Cone, at 2319m the highest peak on the Remarkables, about 9am.
The two men were treated for mild hypothermia after spending an uncomfortable night in temperatures estimated as low as -12degC.
Fifteen search and rescue volunteers assembled at 4.20am to fly up the mountain.
Queenstown Alpine Cliff Rescue Team member Chris Prudden said it was believed the experienced, well-equipped climbers rang 111 on a cellphone.
"They ran out of light the day before. They didn't know how much of the face was above them and they got [on to some] sketchy ground where rock slabs were covered in snow.
"[Early in the morning] one climber succumbed quite badly to the cold and the fitter of the two told us on the phone they wouldn't be able to climb out at first light."
Rescuers using night-vision equipment attempted to fly up to the men before sunrise, but the helicopter was beaten back by high winds and snow.
They flew up again at first light at 7.30am and three rescuers were dropped off and abseiled to the ledge the men were sheltering on.
The climbers were flown off the mountain and taken to hospital for assessment.
Several volunteers with Wakatipu Land Search and Rescue, the Queenstown alpine rescue team, Remarkable Ski Patrols and heliski operators returned to the Remarkables for training in avalanche techniques yesterday
