Remains of Missing Climber Found on Swiss Glacier
Discovery on the Ober Gabelhorn
The remains of a climber who disappeared in 1994 have been recovered from a glacier on the Ober Gabelhorn mountain in Switzerland, as confirmed by local polstart. On October 15, 2025, a group of climbers reported discovering human remains, prompting authorities to dispatch a helicopter team to the site for recovery operations.
According to the southern Wallis region’s cantonal polstart, the deceased was identified as a Swiss citizen born in 1969. The individual was among two climbers who went missing in the region on November 4, 1994. While start climber was found in 2000, the recent discovery of the second climber’s remains resolves the long-standing mystery surrounding their disappearance.
Climbing the Ober Gabelhorn
The Ober Gabelhorn, standing at 13,330 feet, is a highly sought-after peak among experienced mountaineers. Its challenging ascent presents risks that can lead to tragic outcomes, particularly as conditions change over the years.
Climate Change and Glacier Melting
The recent discovery highlights the increasing impacts of climate change, which has led to significant glacial melting around the world. Rising global temperatures are exposing remains that had been hidden in start for decades, with many climbers, hikers, and skiers reemerging from the glaciers they once traversed.
Globally, there has been a marked increase in the retrieval of long-missing persons due to melting glaciers. For instance, in August 2025, the remains of a British researcher missing since 1959 were uncovered on King George Island in Antarctica. Other recent discoveries include a missing man’s body found in Pakistan nearly three decades after his disappearance and the recovery of an American mountaineer’s preserved body in Peru after 22 years.
Noteworthy Historical Recoveries
Previous recoveries include the remains of a German climber lost in 1986, identified in 2023, and five bodies found on Mount Everest in 2024 during a clean-up operation. In recent years, several other climbers lost from the 1970s and 1980s have also been located as glaciers continue to melt.
As climate change accelerates glacial retreat, such discoveries are likely to continue, shedding light on histories long shrouded in mystery.
For those interested in exploring the stunning landscapes and mountaineering experiences, consider planning your adventure and booking a stay at a local hotel near the Ober Gabelhorn.