Dramatic Rescue of Skier Who Plunged Over 1,000 Feet in Colorado

Two off-duty snow patrol members came to the aid of a skier who fell over 1,000 feet on South Arapaho Peak in Colorado, saving his life.

On Sunday, June 16th, a 47-year-old skier embarked on a descent of the Skywalker Couloir on South Arapaho Peak in Colorado when he lost his footing and plunged down the snowfield. The fall, which covered a distance of 1,000 to 2,000 feet, left the skier with serious injuries and stranded on a rock ledge.

Fortunately, two off-duty snow patrol members witnessed the fall and promptly called for help. Emilie Jue, a technical field team leader for the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMRG), was among the first responders to arrive at the scene. She observed that the skier had slid off the snow and onto a rock bench, indicating the severity of the fall.

Dramatic Rescue of Skier Who Plunged Over 1,000 Feet in Colorado

Rescuers quickly descended to the injured skier's location and provided first aid. The skier was in a precarious position, and the area he was in, Skywalker Couloir, is known for its advanced terrain and challenging snow conditions.

"This is for expert skiers only," said Andrew Hildner, PIO for RMRG. "And there's not, in most cases, there's no ski patrol nearby."

Dramatic Rescue of Skier Who Plunged Over 1,000 Feet in Colorado

RMRG medical personnel were airlifted to the scene by helicopter and climbed up to the skier to provide additional care. They placed the skier in a full-body vacuum splint to prepare him for transport.

The extensive rescue mission took over 10 hours. The skier was first transported by helicopter to a local high school, where it landed, before being taken to a hospital by ambulance. He sustained serious injuries but remained stable throughout the ordeal.

Dramatic Rescue of Skier Who Plunged Over 1,000 Feet in Colorado

Hildner emphasized the importance of being prepared and aware of the risks involved in backcountry skiing. "Don't hesitate to call 911 and the state of Colorado. You won't be charged for the rescue," he said.

Hildner also recommended having proper gear, informing someone of your plans, and carrying a satellite phone, as cell service can be spotty in high-altitude areas.

Dramatic Rescue of Skier Who Plunged Over 1,000 Feet in Colorado

The dramatic rescue operation highlights the vital role of off-duty patrol members and the expertise of rescue groups like RMRG in saving lives in Colorado's unforgiving mountain terrain.