A hiker was airlifted off Capitol Peak near Aspen on Saturday afternoon after experiencing severe symptoms of altitude sickness.

According to a press release from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, a 22-year-old-male climber from Golden alerted authorities right before 12:00 p.m. that he was experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, triggered by a pre-existing medical condition. The SOS message via a Garmin InReach device also indicated that he was dehydrated and unable to walk.

The sick climber was located at about 1:20 p.m. in a campsite area of Capitol Lake near Capitol Peak, a 14,137-foot peak in the Elk Mountains Range located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of the Whiter River National Forest. Capitol Lake is located at 11,597 feet above sea-level. Capitol Peak is a Colorado 14er that’s often considered to be one of the most difficult to climb in the state.

Despite battling high winds, the helicopter was able to safely land and transport the sick climber to a nearby hospital for further treatment. The climber’s medical condition was reported as serious, but non-life threatening.

Here’s a look at where Capitol Peak is located on the map below.

Many thanks and appreciation to all the first responders involved in this mountain rescue operation including the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA), and crews on the CareFlight helicopter.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, and shortness of breath. It can become life-threatening if ignored. Here are six things you need to know. Beyond altitude sickness, there are a variety of other risks to be aware of when it comes to navigating high county terrain in Colorado. Take caution and learn to stay safe while hiking or climbing in the mountains.

Editor’s Note: Help fund search and rescue missions across the state of Colorado by purchasing a CORSAR card at  ihelpsearch.org. This is not an insurance card. By purchasing a card, you are helping reimburse teams for costs incurred in providing help to lost and injured hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, hunters, ATV riders, skiers, snowboarders, and more.