Rider 1 was the most experienced rider in his group and familiar with the terrain around Hahns Peak. He rode ahead to set a track for his less experienced friends. He did not wear an avalanche rescue transceiver or other avalanche rescue equipment. He did not intend to travel in avalanche terrain.

Rider 1 chose the bottom of a small steep slope to set a turnaround track. He was unable to make the turn and jumped off his snowmobile. After landing in the snow, he was hit by an avalanche and fully buried. One of his arms was buried near his chest. He could wiggle that arm and punch it through to the surface. This created an air space. He continued to move his arm until he made enough space to call for help on his radio. He continued to dig himself out, eventually removing debris from around his head approximately 10 minutes after the avalanche. Rider 1 published a video of his experience.

His friends were not able to ride to his location. They flagged down another group for help that could ride to the avalanche. That group helped Rider 1 dig out himself and his mostly buried snowmobile.