Sasha Galitzki and her climbing partner embarked on what they thought would be a routine ascent of Rabbit Ears in Jasper National Park on June 23. Little did they anticipate that their journey would be hijacked by sudden, torrential rain and an unexpected brush with internet stardom.
Initially planning to tackle Meissner’s Ridge, a formidable mountaineering challenge, Galitzki and her partner meticulously checked the weather forecast. Despite a slight chance of afternoon showers, they prepared for all eventualities. Sensibly altering their plans, they opted for the more flexible Rabbit Ears route.
“The Ridge is quite committing; once you’re on it, there’s no easy way to retreat if weather hits,” Galitzki explained. “So, we chose Rabbit Ears instead, knowing we could bail out if needed.”
Their adventure began with a trek involving packrafting and bushwhacking to reach the base. The weather held steady until they reached the third pitch, where rain unexpectedly began to fall.
“While not a deluge, the rain funneled down the mountain’s face directly onto our climbing route, turning it into a makeshift waterfall under our feet,” Galitzki described. “Luckily, we secured a solid anchor just as the rain started.”
Donning rain jackets to shield themselves from the elements, they weathered the chill brought on by wet pants and shoes. Despite the unusual conditions, they never felt in immediate danger.
“We hunkered down until the water subsided enough for us to safely rappel out,” Galitzki recounted. “It was an unexpected and exhilarating experience, witnessing such a dramatic change in conditions so quickly.”
A video clip Galitzki shared on social media captured the essence of their adventure: a slick, water-slicked rock face resembling a natural waterslide. While Galitzki regularly shares snippets of her climbs, this particular post garnered over two million views, surprising even her.
“We were amazed by the response. We thought it was just a funny video,” she admitted. “It’s been quite wild.”
Returning to the site a week later for a second attempt, they also retrieved gear left behind. Ironically, they encountered rain once again, albeit less intensively this time. Both experiences reinforced their appreciation for mountain safety and the unpredictability of nature.
“If you’re in the mountains, no matter the forecast, you must be prepared for anything,” Galitzki advised. “Being equipped and ready is fundamental for safety, regardless of how well you plan.”
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Meissner’s Ridge remains on their list of conquests—a reminder that adventure, even with its challenges, is what keeps them coming back to the mountains.
