Search for Missing Quebec Hiker in Adirondack Mountains

Authorities in New York are currently searching for 22-year-old Léo Dufour, a hiker from Vaudreuil, Quebec, who failed to return from an overnight hike in the snow-covered Adirondack Mountains.

Dufour went hiking on Friday and was expected back on Saturday night, according to a statement from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). However, on Sunday at 2:30 a.m., New York State Police (NYSP) contacted the DEC about an overdue hiker on Allen Mountain. NYSP located Dufour’s car at the Mt. Adams trailhead, covered in snow.

Search efforts are being led by dozens of New York State Forest Rangers in challenging terrain and weather conditions. Rangers found one set of tracks in the trail leading from Dufour’s vehicle, but recent snowfall has made tracking difficult. NYSP aviation has joined the search efforts, utilizing forward-looking infrared technology to aid in the search.

As of now, search efforts have not yielded any results, with today’s focus on the east side of Allen Mountain and the Marcy swamp area. Two backcountry outposts have been established by rangers to facilitate the search, which will continue tomorrow with additional ground searches supported by NYSP aviation.

News of Dufour’s disappearance has spread on social media, prompting an outpouring of support from both New York residents and those in Quebec. The search for Dufour is taking place in a region known for its harsh weather, rugged terrain, and towering summits, with Allen Mountain standing at 1,323 metres in Essex County.

Weather conditions have been challenging, with temperatures dipping below freezing over the weekend and snow accumulation reported in Lake Placid. A winter weather advisory is currently in effect, with multiple rounds of snow expected Wednesday afternoon through Thursday night.

NYSP has issued a call for help on Facebook, asking the public to assist in locating Dufour. He was first reported missing on Saturday around 11 p.m. and was traveling in an unknown direction. Dufour is described as weighing 150 pounds, standing five feet seven inches, and having brown hair. He was equipped with warm clothing, a stove, snowshoes, and microspikes.