Avalanche Video – Skier Buried Alive in Haines, Alaska

Many skiers may have wondered what it’s like to get caught in an avalanche and buried alive.  Well, this is your chance to find out.  The helmet cam recorded every moment until rescue, which is quite excruciating to watch and listen to.  Haines is renowned for its helicopter and snowcat skiing adventures.

The skier is buried under snow for four and a half minutes before being rescued (which seems like a lifetime as you listen to his laboured breathing).  With ski season coming up fast, perhaps it is a timely and sobering warning for backcountry skiers and boarders.

You don’t need us to tell you that going on a ski/boarding trip without winter sports insurance is crazy.  However, don’t just settle for the cheapest insurance you can find – because it may not provide all the cover you’ll need. 

Check your ski insurance for any exclusions, and make sure that all your planned activities are covered and  emergency medical repatriation is included. 

It’s snowing in some ski areas already, so if you are busy planning a trip for the upcoming season, why not get a quote for your ski insurance here.

Important:  Although there is absolutely no indication that intoxication was a factor in this incident, it is worth mentioning that if intoxication (drugs and/or alcohol) is found to be a factor, any related travel/ski insurance claims may be jeopardised.  (This is the case with all travel insurance policies).  So, do yourself a favour and keep the partying for apres-ski - when you are safely down the mountain under your own steam!