Skier rescued from Colorado avalanche

Tools

By SBT 24/7 News

Story Created: Nov 1, 2009 at 9:09 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 1, 2009 at 9:09 PM EDT

LEADVILLE, Colo. (AP) — A 19-year-old skier was buried up to his neck but survived a weekend avalanche near Copper Mountain.

The man was skiing with two friends Saturday on the northeast side of Bartlett Peak between Copper Mountain and Leadville. The teen's friends said he made five or six turns before an avalanche broke about 50 feet above him. He was buried up to his neck, but his friends dug him out and called for rescue.

The Summit County Rescue Group said the slide was about 500 feet long. The unnamed skier was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Rescue groups are warning backcountry skiers to be prepared for avalanches. Already this season slides have been reported in Rocky Mountain National Park and on Independence, Loveland and Jones passes.

More Good Stuff

Advertisement

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 44.0
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Question of The Day

How do you monitor your child's access to computers and cell phones?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.