Terror on the Slopes | Do or Die

TL;DR

Skier falls into a dangerous tree well and must make a critical choice to survive.

Transcript

Mount Shasta located at the southern end of the Cascade Range in Northern California this solitary Peak is considered a legendary destination among Backcountry skiers and snowboarders on this day James Drummond an experienced rider has set out alone for an epic adventure but his action-packed Thrill Ride suddenly turns into a date with sheer Terror... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫥 Tree wells are invisible on the surface but can be deadly if approached too closely.
• 🤨 Ski resorts should raise awareness about the dangers of tree wells to prevent accidents.
• 👄 Suffocation in tree wells is a significant cause of deaths in ski resorts.
• 🤔 Falling into a tree well requires quick thinking and knowledge of survival techniques.
• ⌛ Ski patrol response times can vary and may take hours in remote areas.
• 👄 Contacting ski patrol in a tree well emergency is crucial for increasing chances of survival.
• 👎 The snow in a tree well acts like quicksand and can bury a person alive.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is a tree well?

A tree well is a dangerous void around the base of a tree, concealed by loose unpacked powder. Falling into one can be deadly.

Q: How long can it take to rescue someone stuck in a tree well?

It can take hours to find and rescue someone stuck in a tree well, as they are difficult to locate under the snow.

Q: What is the danger of suffocation in a tree well?

Approximately 10% of deaths in ski resorts are due to suffocation in tree wells. Once trapped, nine out of ten people are unable to get themselves out and can suffocate within minutes.

Q: What should you do if you fall into a tree well?

You should use your legs to create an air hole, as this will allow you to breathe while waiting for rescue to arrive.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Skier falls into a tree well, a deadly trap concealed by loose powder around the branches.

• He manages to contact ski patrol but rescue could take hours.

• Skier must decide how to buy time until rescue arrives.