Engelberg, Switzerland- If you survive one, an avalanche can be a crucial learning experience. This is the case for backcountry skier Giovanni Saccarola, who survived a scary avalanche back in December of last year.

Earlier this month, Giovanni Saccarola posted a video on YouTube that detailed his avalanche experience on the Laub backcountry route in Engelberg, Switzerland. Giovanni broke down the errors he made, how he was able to keep his body afloat, what it took to free him from the snow, and finding the lost gear. Luckily, he found his two poles and the other ski that were swept away, and survived the encounter.

Image/Video Credits: Giovanni Saccarola

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ian Wood became passionate about the ski industry while learning to ski at Mt. Sunapee. In high school, he became a ski patroller at Proctor Ski Area. He travelled out...