Vail Avalanche Tosses Skier Off 50+ Footer - Saved by Airbag

BCA Airbag saves skier in East Vail avalanche.
by Updated April 7, 2016

Here's an intense write up from avalanche survivor Austin Porzak into what happened during this huge avalanche in east Vail:

First of all in no way shape or form do I think being in a avalanche is cool or something to be proud of. It's scary and something that should be avoided at all costs, but part of being in the backcountry is being open and honest with others so that they can learn and continue to enjoy the wilderness as well. I wanted to post this recent video of an avalanche I was in so that first, you could see just how much snow slid and how quickly it moved, but also to remind everyone out there of the possibility of avalanches, even in zones you have been skiing since you were a kid or where other skiers are present. We need to continue the conversation and remind each other to stay vigilant out there. I hope this video can help you stay aware out there.

I dropped in after making a few ski cuts and nothing moved. Eventually the slide was triggered. It broke everywhere around me and from about 100 feet above me. I heard my partner yelling, "slide, slide, slide”, and I immediately decided to go for the straight line off the 50+ footer I knew was below me. The slide was just too big and powerful and it bucked my right ski up. I was able to stop for a moment by grabbing on to a tree but as snow kept pouring by me, the tree eventually snapped. I had one chance to pull my avalanche airbag before going in. I pulled it and it inflated as I was going off the cliff.

You can hear me getting tossed off the 50+ footer and I had no clue where I was or which way was up or down. I was completely engulfed. I could feel motion and just kept thinking soon I would hit a tree and that would be it. I was gasping for air and swallowing snow. It was truly terrifying, and this is the reality of being in a slide. I fought hard to stay on top and keep my arms free but had no power. I could feel the snow trying to pull me under but my float pack kept me on top without question and this is a perfect example of why you should always use every tool at your disposal when skiing out of bounds.

At the end you can see the cliff I was tossed off of and where I ultimately stopped. The crown was 3 to 4 feet deep and ran for a ways. I hope we can all learn from this - I know I have. Please wear a avalanche float pack if you ride in the backcountry, ski with a capable partner and always carry a shovel, probe and beacon. I have taken avalanche and wilderness responder courses and can’t advocate for those enough. Knowledge and experience are tools too… The backcountry is a sacred place and I always go prepared. I never let my guard down but things happen to even the most seasoned veterans. We have to learn from others and never stop learning which is why I wanted to share this experience. I'm banged up but just happy that I'm alive and that this wasn't a season ender. Thank you so much BCA for making products that keep us safe in the backcountry.

 


0
0

Add your comment

by Anonymous - Already have an account? Login now!
Your Name:

Comment:
Enter the text you see in the image below
What do you see?
Can't read the image? View a new one.
Your comment will appear after being approved.

Related Posts


This week's MSP Mondays remixes Cody Townsend's shots from "Days of My Youth," produced by Red Bull Media House and MSP Films. Watch Days of My Youth now or download Days of My Youth on iTunes now!  more »

Heavy sun and low snow has left Valle Nevado ski area reduced to bare rock, a lost season. Lifts shut down and skiers flee towards Santiago in droves. Hot tubs and pisco prevail for the DPS crew. But one morning they awake to find condors filling the...  more »

Second Big Mountain run of Sverre Liliequist at the Swatch Skiers Cup 2013 in Zermatt, Switzerland. He charges the hill and outruns an avalanche slide while throwing a back-flip.  more »

This avalanche occurred in the Swiss Alps on 1/30/2015 within the resort boundary of Les Crosets on a slope not known for slides. "It is important to learn from the mistakes of others as well as yourself. I have uploaded this video to act as a learning...  more »

Crystal Wright Ski Season 2013/14 Here's Freeride World Tour competitor Crystal Wright's 2013/14 ski season edit. Also check out her personal training and ski fitness gym at Wright Training.  more »

After a two year sabbatical from filming with Matchstick Productions, last season Hoji reunited with the team for what would turn out to be one of his most enjoyable and successful filming seasons in the past few years. We were lucky enough to have Hoji...  more »

Paradise Waits - Official Trailer by Teton Gravity Research Media house Teton Gravity Research (TGR) announces the release of the trailer for Paradise Waits, the feature-length ski and snowboard film slated for a September 2015 release. For those who...  more »

Chris Benchetler has influenced so many with his fluid style as a skier. Pack your bags for an epic journey around the west coast as Chris visits the many friends that he draws inspiration from. . . Surfers, Climbers, Artists, Skiers, and Snowboarders...  more »

Submit your own

Contribute:



Ask a Question