From 1981 through 1986, 43631 climbers registered for climbs in the Grand Teton National Park, USA. There were 108 climbing accidents. The accident incidence was 2.5 accidents per 1000 climbers per year, or 5.6 accidents per 10000 climber-hours. There were 23 fatal accidents and 25 fatalities. Mountaineering appears to be a more hazardous activity than rock climbing; travel over snow or ice-covered terrain accounted for high numbers of accidents, climber errors, and fatalities. Effective use of proper equipment (ice axes and helmets), climber experience, self-reliance in difficult situations, and appreciation for the dangers involved in mixed (rock and snow) climbing are all preventive factors that can decrease accidents and injuries among climbers.

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In brief There were 71,655 rock climbers and mountaineers in the Grand Teton National Park from 1970 to 1980, and there were 144 accidents and 30 deaths. Because all climbers are required to register with park officials before climbing, accurate incidence rates can be determined. There were two accidents per 1,000 climbers per year, and this rate remained stable over the ten-year study period although the number of climbers increased. Characteristics associated with accidents included being the lead climber, ascending very steep rock, being inexperienced, and making errors in judgments. Fatal accidents appeared to be associated with travel on snow.

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