On Monday, a Polish guide rescued a nine‑month‑old baby from a group of tourists who climbed the Rysy ridge in the Tatra Mountains despite icy, dangerous conditions.
Harsh Conditions on the Rysy Trail
Monday’s hike took place under tough snow and ice, with high winds and low cloud cover limiting visibility. The Terrain had hard, frozen snow, sliding ice, and occasional muddy patches when sunlit.
Encounter with the Polish Guide
Guide Szymon Stoch met a Lithuanian group carrying a nine‑month‑old infant. When they announced they were heading for Rysy’s summit, he warned that such conditions required proper equipment and experience, and urged a descent.
Parents Ignore Warnings
Despite the guide’s advice, the parents pressed on, risking a descent only when they reached the summit and sensed the danger. Their dismissive attitude left them closer to the peak than to safety.
Guide Carries Baby to Safety
Stoch offered assistance, stating he had never used crampons but would not call for help due to lack of insurance. He persuaded the parents to allow him to take the baby, which he moved to a safer spot while guiding the group down the mountain.
Tatra National Park’s Warning
On October 21 the park issued a notice describing the upper Tatra routes as unfavourable: hard, icy snow, sliding ice, strong winds, and short cloud cover. It recommended that only experienced winter hikers with proper gear (crampons, ice axe, helmet) should attempt the hikes.
