- Ski California has released shocking rescue footage to warn skiers of dangerous conditions
- The warning video showed skiers buried in deep snow as they waved their legs in panic
- In total, 90 percent of skiers or boarders who find themselves in deep snow cannot save themselves
Ski resorts in California and Nevada have released dramatic images of a skier swinging around buried in deep snow as a warning to visitors.
Ski California, a nonprofit trade association that includes 36 resorts in California and Nevada, posted the video Monday.
The video, which warns snow sports enthusiasts of the dangers of deep snow, features terrifying real-life rescue footage.
Footage has been captured of skiers and mountain enthusiasts Francis Zuber and Riley Flynn.
In one clip, a skier has swallowed almost entirely white snow, with only their legs and skis flailing in panic before someone came to their rescue.
Ski resorts in California and Nevada have released dramatic footage of a skier swinging around buried in deep snow as a warning to visitors
The video, which warns snow sports enthusiasts of the dangers of deep snow, features terrifying real-life rescue footage
The rescuer was forced to dig away the surrounding snow from the skier until he managed to wriggle free.
Several other clips showing similar scenarios – skiers buried in snow and having to be dug out of traps – were included in the awareness video.
Alongside the terrifying images were warnings telling skiers how to stay safe on the slopes.
“Ski/ride with a partner,” the video advised, suggesting visitors should avoid tree wells and clearings if they are tired.
Ski California also warned skiers to use proper equipment, including wearing a helmet.
“Ski California’s 36 member resorts in California and Nevada regularly see storm totals that are measured in feet, not inches,” Mike Reitzell, president of Ski California, said in a news release.
Footage has been captured of skiers and mountain enthusiasts Francis Zuber and Riley Flynn
“Our goal with this video, the fifth in our series of Mountain Safety Guides, is to educate skiers and riders on what they should do and be aware of to avoid deep snow immersion situations that can be life-threatening. ‘
Snow immersion asphyxiation (SIS) can occur when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep snow and becomes immobilized and suffocates.
Deep Snow Safety found that 90 percent of people in research experiments testing these situations were unable to save themselves.