Did you know doctors play hooky on pow days just like everyone else? This little quirk of mountain living might just have saved Pete Roskovich’s life last year when he went into cardiac arrest on a powder morning at Vail Mountain and was lucky enough to be skiing in front of a pair of doctors that saw his friend beginning chest compressions and they pretty much took it from there with ski patrol playing a heavy role in his ultimate survival.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture.... More by Francis Xavier