Around noon on February 17, a snowmobiler (Rider 1) was caught and buried in an avalanche on Shrine Mountain west of Vail Pass. His partner (Rider 2) attempted to use his avalanche rescue transceiver to locate his partner. Rider 2 did not get a signal, so he called 911 for help. Summit County Sheriff's Deputies and Summit County Rescue Group personnel responded to the scene. While walking across the debris field, a rescuer saw the corner of Rider 1's deployed avalanche airbag sticking out of the snow. Rescuers and Rider 2 extricated Rider 1 from the debris about 1 hour after the avalanche. Rider 1 was conscious and talking, but cold. Rescuers transported Rider 1 from the field and to a hospital for further evaluation.

Area Description

Shrine Bowl