Skier Goes for 2,000-Foot Ride in Buffalo Mountain Avalanche

The Summit County Rescue Group (SCRG) were kept busy on Thursday after an avalanche on Buffalo Mountain caught a skier and dragged the skier 2,000 feet down the Silver Couloir.

Buffalo Mountain is the peak directly above Silverthorne. Part of the Gore Range, it's the peak closest to town.

The slide happened at around 10 am. The skier used an air bag and was never fully buried. Two skiers on Red Peak saw the avalanche.

"Initial reports were of a skier who was swept out of sight of their companion, who had begun a transceiver search while descending the path," a post by SCRG said. "Ultimately, the injured party was found to be close to the toe of the slide, and with what were believed to be mild to moderate injuries."

According to SCRG, the avalanche wasn't big, either in depth or width.

However, a 2,000-foot drop is a serious matter however you slice it.

"SCRG initially requested Flight for Life to activate the Rapid Avalanche Deployment Team, picking up an avalanche search dog, dog handler, and snow technician to land as close to the slide as possible," the post said. "However, this proved unfeasible because of high winds. Ultimately, rescuers went in by ground to assess the patient and assist them out of the field. Included in this group were several EMTs from SCRG and a paramedic from Red White & Blue Fire Protection District. Summit County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Technicians and Summit Fire and EMS deployed resources as well."

"Flight for Life ultimately was able to fly into a meadow at the base of Buffalo Mountain in the event an air evacuation of the patient was deemed necessary," the statement said. "The skier was eventually placed in a toboggan and skied out by SCRG. All team members and the patient were out of the field by 3 pm and the patient was transported to the hospital by ambulance."

SCRG wants to remind back-country adventurers that if you see an avalanche or any serious situation, call 911 before you call anyone else.

Nice work, SCRG. I hope business slows down, to be honest. Here's a story on SCRG's new building, and don't forget to donate!