Not sure why people insist on backcountry skiing solo, this guy was extremely lucky and hopefully learned a valuable lesson. Hopefully the two lower leg fractures is a good reminder what not to do next time.
Ski with a buddy or don't ski. Simple.
Read on for more info on this one....
A lone backcountry skier who sparked an avalanche near Canmore on Saturday was able to keep hold of his cellphone and call for rescuers despite being buried chest-deep in snow.
The Kananaskis Country avalanche occurred at noon on Mount Sparrowhawk, a popular mountain south of Canmore which can be accessed on Spray Lakes Road.
"We suspect he was the trigger (for the avalanche). . . . He was caught in it and carried down and pushed up against a tree, where he was buried up to his armpits," said Mike Koppang with Kananaskis Country Public Safety, who helped with the rescue.
The 28-year-old skier was able to use his cellphone and contact authorities for help, which Koppang said was especially fortunate given the spotty cellphone coverage in the area.
Two rescuers were transported by Alpine Helicopters and dropped off at the avalanche site using a sling.
When they spotted the trapped skier -- who had been equipped with an avalanche beacon and shovel -- they had to cut down several trees and do considerable digging to get him free.
"We really encourage people not to travel into avalanche terrain alone. In the event something goes wrong, it can be very difficult to deal with the situation. It puts your level of risk quite high," said Koppang.
He was flown off the mountain by Alpine Helicopters and later airlifted by STARS air ambulance to Foothills Hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries, said STARS spokesman Cam Heke.
The skier, who sustained two lower-leg fractures and some spinal injuries, is said to be in stable condition.
Avalanche conditions for Kananaskis Country were listed as considerable for the treeline area, and Koppang is urging backcountry enthusiasts to stay out of avalanche areas today.
