Dramatic video of skiers rescued from deep-snow immersion highlights resorts’ safety drive
Ski California released a video on Monday about staying safe in deep snow.
The video, which accompanies the Mountain Safety Guide, comes on the heels of January’s deadly avalanche at Palisades Tahoe ski resort. A Northern California man was killed and three people injured. The timing coincides with another series of storms expected later this week.
The video shows dramatic, real rescue footage from skiers and mountain enthusiasts Francis Zuber and Riley Flynn.
“Ski California’s 36 member resorts in California and Nevada regularly see storm totals that are measured in feet, not inches,” Mike Reitzell, Ski California president, said in a news release. “Our goal with this video, the fifth in our Mountain Safety Guide series, is to educate skiers and riders about what they need to do and be aware of to avoid deep snow immersion situations that can be life threatening.”
Snow-immersion suffocation can happen when a skier or rider falls into deep snow or a tree well, cannot move and suffocates.
Ski California is a non-profit trade association representing 36 ski resorts in California and Nevada.
Tips for skiing and riding in deep snow include:
▪ Always ski or ride with a partner and stay in control.
▪ Avoid tree wells by looking at the open spaces between trees, not at the trees.
▪ Keep your partner in sight and stay close enough to pull or dig out if either person falls.
▪ Use safety equipment to minimize risks, including a helmet, fully charged phone with fast access to ski patrol’s number, beacon and a whistle.
This story was originally published February 26, 2024 at 1:17 PM.
