The 29-year-old man was visiting South Arapaho Peak, located approximately 50 miles northwest of Denver, Saturday when he initiated a ski descent of Skywalker Couloir, according to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
The man slipped and fell down the mountain, tumbling approximately 1,000 feet before eventually landing on a nearby slope, deputies said. Despite the fall, he remained conscious and was located by search teams within hours.
As the situation unfolded, numerous 911 calls were made, but due to poor cell reception, many calls were dropped, leading to confusion among authorities. This confusion led to an initial belief that there were two separate emergencies until a woman who had hiked to the peak provided the precise location of the skier.
The man was then airlifted from the mountain with serious injuries. Authorities emphasized the importance of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for such remote outdoor activities, as it could significantly enhance the chances of a swift rescue.
While an update regarding the skier’s condition was not immediately available, the event has reignited conversations about safety protocols and the need for better communication technology in areas where such incidents are not uncommon.
Local authorities have acknowledged the need for improved technology to aid in emergency response, though they did not immediately respond to further inquiries about the incident.