Skier survives 200-yard ride in Berthoud Pass slide

A backcountry skier narrowly avoided disaster on Sunday afternoon after a slab of snow broke loose on Berthoud Pass, sweeping them 200 yards down the mountainside.

First responders from Grand County Search and Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office EMS rushed to the “Postage Stamp” run following a 2:23 p.m. distress call.

Despite the distance carried, the skier stayed atop the churning debris and successfully dug themselves out.

SAR officials characterized the outcome as a stroke of immense luck. The individual suffered no injuries, recovered their equipment and skied out of the drainage with a partner.

The slide hit on a southeast-facing slope, a terrain feature highlighted in Monday’s Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast. Forecasters had cautioned that stiff wind drifts were resting precariously on a weak, brittle foundation on east, southeast, and south-facing aspects.

While bystanders and two nearby skiers assisted in the immediate aftermath, officials are using the close call to remind the community that current conditions remain volatile. CAIC is expected to conduct a formal field investigation to analyze the failure point of the slide.

“The skier was extremely lucky and did not sustain any injuries,” Grand County Search and Rescue said in a statement on Monday morning. “They were able to maintain all their gear and ski out with their partner. Thank you to the multiple people who witnessed the avalanche and called 911 to report it.

“We are grateful for the person that was close by and able to quickly reach the subject and confirm that they were okay. We urge all backcountry enthusiasts to read the Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast before venturing out into avalanche terrain.”

Original reporting from Sky Hi News