A snowmobiler in Colorado is lucky to be alive after surviving for 1 hour in an avalanche burial on Shrine Mountain west of Vail Pass on Monday, February 17.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the rider was caught and buried around noon. His riding partner attempted to locate his buried friend using his avalanche transceiver but could not get a signal.
The man then called 911 for help and Summit County Sheriff’s Deputies and Summit County Rescue Group personnel responded to the scene. A rescuer spotted the corner of the buried rider’s deployed avalanche airbag poking out of the snow. The rescuers dug the man out and he not only survived but was fully conscious.
The victim was transported to a hospital for further evaluation. We will be sure to update this story when more information becomes available.
Summit County Sheriff’s Office Statement:
On February 17, 2025, just after noon, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Summit County Rescue Group responded to an avalanche on Vail Pass with a confirmed burial.
Rescuers located the victim after over an hour beneath the snow. Remarkably, they were recovered with only minor injuries.
We are incredibly grateful for this fortunate outcome and proud of the coordinated efforts of our deputies and the Summit County Rescue Group. Their dedication and skill made this rescue possible.
For full details of the incident, please refer to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and Summit County Rescue Group.
Stay safe in the backcountry, and always check avalanche conditions before heading out!
