Snowboarder Swept Away by Avalanche at B.C. Ski Resort

A day that began with perfect snow conditions turned into a terrifying emergency at SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C., when a snowboarder was swept away by an avalanche on a remote run.

Nathan Fisher and his friend, Tylor Williams, had just started their first run of the day on Alder Point, a double-black-diamond trail on the back side of the mountain. According to Williams, the snowpack failed without warning. The top layer of snow suddenly broke loose and rushed downhill toward Fisher, pulling him violently toward the trees lining the run.

Rescue and Recovery

Ski patrollers eventually arrived, took over emergency care, and stabilized Fisher for evacuation. He was airlifted by helicopter to Kelowna General Hospital, where doctors confirmed he suffered broken ribs, a broken ankle, a dislocated hip, and deep lacerations to his throat. Remarkably, there were no serious head or spinal injuries, and he is now continuing his recovery.

According to reporting by CBC News, the incident unfolded within seconds and left Williams fearing he was witnessing the final moments of his friend’s life. You can read the full original article detailing the avalanche and rescue effort here:   👉  ‘There was a lot of blood. He was a very broken man: Snowboarder swept away by avalanche at B.C. ski resort