Before we go any further, know that this video is full on. Actually, it’s every powder skier or snowboarder’s nightmare.
The snowboarder, trapped in some seriously deep snow in an even deeper tree well, is one of the luckiest humans on the planet. With not much more than the tip of a snowboard peaking out of the snow, he was discovered by a random skier who thankfully had all the backcountry equipment to dig him out before he lost his life.
And make no mistake, he would have lost his life if he had not been spotted by Francis Zuber in Mt Baker’s side country.
“I was skiing a zone with a partner when I passed by a snowboarder upside down and buried in a tree well,” says Zuber on YouTube.
“I only caught a glimpse of his board but it was enough to get my attention. The boarder was with a group of three other riders, all very experienced and carrying beacon, shovel, probe, and walkies.”
Tree wells are no joke, especially after mega powder storms. Always keep an eye out for your buddies and know about tree well rescue.
Check out some valuable tree well rescue tips here.
