More than 20 "ill-prepared" hikers were rescued from Mount Washington, in the state of New Hampshire, after being trapped on Saturday in extreme winter conditions without the proper equipment, according to the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

The hikers had reached the summit of 6,288 feet high, unaware that park services were closed for the season and that no shelter would be available.

“The train was heading to the summit when the crew discovered several distressed hikers,” explained Andy Vilaine, assistant general manager of the railroad. “Many were showing early signs of hypothermia due to their poor choice of clothing, including thin layers and non-waterproof shoes.”

Some said it was their first hike

According to Vilaine, several of those rescued admitted it was their first hiking experience, and that they hadn't expected such extreme temperatures.

At the summit, thermometers read between 15 and 18 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill between zero and minus five degrees.

“After assessing their condition, we knew they wouldn't be able to descend on their own,” Vilaine explained. Train crew members accommodated the hikers in any available space, including inside the locomotives, where they turned the heating up to full blast to counteract the effects of the extreme cold. “If we hadn't been able to help them on that trip, a much more complex rescue would certainly have been necessary,” he added. Another rescue the next day: On Sunday, a 20-year-old from Rhode Island was also rescued in the area after being trapped by snow and wind near the summit, with his flashlight and phone about to die, the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game reported. The hiker was on the upper section of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, just 0.3 miles from the summit. Although he was unharmed, Rescuers emphasized that he was unprepared for winter conditions. “This situation could have ended very badly,” warned Lieutenant Mark Ober, who reminded hikers that climbing unprepared can be a matter of life or death. Authorities urge responsibility.The New Hampshire State Parks Department urged hikers to plan their routes and check weather conditions before heading up the mountain. “Several people have reached the summit in recent days very unprepared for winter and required assistance,” the department noted. Professional guide Cris Hazzard, known as The Hiking Guy, recommended that “a few minutes of preparation—such as checking the official trail website or using apps like AllTrails—is enough to avoid unnecessary risks.”