PHOENIX — A man trying to win free pizza climbed a snowy northern Arizona mountain then had to be helped down after he lost too much body heat and became fatigued.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said the 30-year from Flagstaff had planned to hike to the top of Mount Elden earlier this week for free food. He was wearing shorts and other light clothing. The mountain trail was covered in 3-5 inches of snow.

The unidentified hiker had told friends he was going to make the trek in Coconino National Forest on Tuesday. A pizza shop promotion had promised a chance for free eats to anyone who made it up the mountain.

Snow started falling in the area early in the day. A late spring storm has brought down temperatures up north.

Snowfall in the Flagstaff-Bellemont area has reached over a half inch. Roads may be slick in spots, please drive with caution. pic.twitter.com/hhReMWD0c1 — NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) May 9, 2017

Running out of steam, he got close as he could to the lookout tower. The Sheriffs’ Office was notified and in turn called the U.S. Forest Service. A staffer in the tower found the hiker, brought him inside and warmed him up.

A friend finished off the rescue effort by giving the man a ride home.

There was pizza for some, though.

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