Officials warn of perils of climbing in winter

[Hiker, from B1] dangers of climbing Mt. Whitney — or any other steep peak — this time of year.

- Times staff writer Jack Dolan contributed to this report.

“This incident, along with recent fatalities on Mount Whitney and Mount Baldy, serves as a reminder that winter ascents are serious mountaineering endeavors, not hikes. Winter conditions leave little margin for error, and the consequences can be severe,” officials wrote in a social media post. “If someone in your group expresses safety concerns, those concerns should be taken seriously.”