Missed Check-In: Search for Climbers on Mount Cook Stalled by Weather

New Zealand authorities are deeply worried about three experienced climbers from the U. S. and Canada who went missing after attempting to ascend Aoraki, the country's highest peak. The climbers, including Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, from California, are certified alpine guides but have not been seen since their ascent began. An aerial search for them was put on hold for the third day due to strong winds. The climbers flew to a hut on the mountain on Saturday and planned to meet their transport after the climb. However, they never showed up. Searchers later found some of their climbing gear but no sign of the men themselves. The search has been hampered by bad weather, with heavy rain and snow making conditions unsafe. Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook, is part of the Southern Alps and stands at 3, 724 meters high. It's a popular spot for experienced climbers despite its dangerous terrain. The mountain has seen more than 240 deaths since the early 1900s due to factors like crevasses, avalanches, and sudden weather changes. It's important to note that the search efforts have been challenging due to the unpredictable weather conditions, which are common in mountainous regions. This situation highlights the risks that come with climbing in such extreme environments.