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Avalanche Kills Skier on Mt. McKinley (Denali)

Originally posted on Powder | By Matt Lorelli | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 11:40 AM ET

Denali National Park has confirmed that 29 year old Nicholas Vizzini of Washington state passed away in a soft slab avalanche incident on Mt. McKinley (formerly known as Denali) on June 10, 2025.

The accident occurred below the Rescue Gully above Camp 14 on the Mt. McKinley West Buttress Route. Vizzini and his climbing partner were both caught in the slide.

Park rangers responded to the scened after spotting Vizzini's climbing partner partially buried on the surface of the debris. Vizzini was "mostly buried" by debris. CPR and lifesaving measures were discontinued after forty minutes.

According to the National Parks Service, the avalanche released at approximately 16,600 feet of elevation. It ran to 15,000 feet marking a significant slide path.

The incident is the second climbing death, but the first avalanche related, on Mt. McKinley/Denali this season. 41 year old mountaineer Alex Chiu died after falling 3,000 feet on Denali’s West Buttress route just last week.

There have been 13 avalanche-related, and 130 total deaths recorded on Mt. McKinley/Denali in the park's history, according to Denali National Park.

Vizzini is the 23rd avalanche fatality of the Winter 24/25 season in the United States. POWDER extends its thoughts and condolences to the friends and family of the victim.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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