The Mountains teach.
Join author Ty Gagne as he recounts the harrowing story of the missing climbers, highlighting the selflessness and bravery of the dedicated rescuers. He also explores the tragic circumstances surrounding the avalanche and the heartbreak experienced by the family, friends, and teammates of the fallen rescuers. In his popular novel, "The Lions of Winter, Survival & Sacrifice on Mount Washington." Gagne illustrates how this challenging event marked a significant moment in the history of the White Mountains, ushering in a new era for the search and rescue community in New Hampshire.
About The Lions of Winter, Survival & Sacrifice on Mount Washington
On January 25, 1982, during a four-day search for two missing ice climbers on New Hampshire's Mount Washington in extreme weather conditions, Albert Dow, a member of the all-volunteer Mountain Rescue Service, became the first—and so far the only— member of a backcountry search and rescue team to be killed in the line of duty in the White Mountains. He was caught in an avalanche in terrain previously thought to present no risk. His teammate, Michael Hartrich, was injured in the accident.
In The Lions of Winter, author Ty Gagne describes the ordeal of the missing climbers, the selflessness and courage of the dedicated rescuers, the tragic circumstances surrounding the avalanche, and the heartbreak of the family, friends, and teammates of the fallen rescuer. Gagne also chronicles how this grueling event became a landmark of White Mountain history, ushering in a new era in the search and rescue community of New Hampshire.
Ty Gagne is also the author of the book The Last Traverse: Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites and Where You’ll Find Me: Risk, Decisions, and the Last Climb of Kate Matrosova. Two of his essays, “Weakness in Numbers: How a Hiking Companion can be Dangerous” and “Emotional Rescue” were published in Appalachia journal.
In case of bad weather, the snow date will be held next Tuesday, on December 8th. Please keep an eye on our website with any updates.
The Friends of the Conway Public Library is kindly sponsored this event and is part of their Program Series of 2026.