Harrowing pictures show skier moments from death on top of mountain after being ... trends now
An experienced outdoorsman faced his worst nightmare when he got caught in a thunderous avalanche while skiing that sent him careening 600 feet down a slope rife with trees.
Against all odds, Travis Halverson survived the fall on January 12 with the help of his girlfriend and his gear, despite breaking 10 bones in his spine, ribs, sternum and jaw, Cowboy State Daily reported.
Halverson and his girlfriend decided to go skiing near the Wyoming-Idaho border that day even though the conditions were considered high risk for avalanches on the Idaho side of Teton Pass.
The two were unconcerned, given that they'd skied earlier in the week. There were also other vehicles parked at the trail head, making them think it was safe.
Halverson admitted after the fact that they were 'just ignoring the warning signs.'
Travis Halverson said he was 'very lucky to be alive' following the skiing accident
First responders used an inflatable sled to rescue Travis Halverson from a deep pile of snow after he likely triggered an avalanche
Rescuers were unable to use a helicopter to save Halverson, and had to trek a mile and a half up and down to mountain to get him out
Halverson and his girlfriend ventured down a steeper, untracked slope, different from the groomed trail most skiers were taking
To that end, Halverson and his girlfriend ventured down a steeper, untracked slope, different from the groomed trail most skiers were taking. That's where his memory falters.
Halverson was found completely immobile with his helmet, goggles and skis gone and wrapped in an emergency blanket he had with him that day. That blanket likely kept him from freezing to death.
He was thankful to the first responders and the passing-by skiers that helped him survive this near-death experience.
He said he was 'very lucky to be alive.'
Since Halverson's memory cut out after the avalanche hit, his girlfriend was able to recall him skiing past her and vanishing ahead.
Luckily, the couple had radios to communicate, and when Halverson failed to contact her upon the completion of the run, she tracked him down.
