MOUNT RAINER NATIONAL PARK, Wash. (AP) — Two climbers used skills, smarts and a shovel to survive two days of blizzard conditions near the summit of Mount Rainier.

The News Tribune reports the men found themselves trapped on June 17 when the weather took and sudden and dramatic turn for the worse.

Mark Duggin, of Cookesville, Tennessee, and Brad Davidson, of Littleton, Colorado, fought to survive a storm with 50-mph winds and subzero temperature.

Park climbing ranger Peter Ellis says if the longtime friends were not smart, tough guys, their trip to the summit of Mount Rainier would have ended differently.

Ellis and other rescuers say their survival, and two other parties in similar situations earlier this month, are reminders to always prepare for the worst when taking on Rainier.

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