Snowboarder and the skier who saved his life on Mt. Baker reunite
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- Опубликовано: 30 мар 2023
- A heart-pounding rescue was caught on camera when a skier spotted a snowboarder buried under 6 feet of snow on Mt. Baker earlier this month.
Francis Zuber said he was sidecountry skiing on Mt. Baker with a friend on March 3 when he caught sight of a snowboard sticking out from a tree well.
In a GoPro video captured by Zuber, Zuber can be seen quickly springing into action and digging the snowboarder out.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE: www.king5.com/article/news/lo...
When I first saw the video, I breathed sigh of relief when I saw the skier had his packable shovel. Not only that mean he was trained and aware of the procedure, but those lightweight shovels can literally mean the difference between life and death. So glad to see these men walk off the mountain! And so jealous of that powder!
I mean he uncovered his face first without the shovel, the guy still would have been perfectly fine it just would have taken longer.
@@Bighannes410 taking longer can still be the difference between life and death. It's not just getting air to the face it's the crushing weight of the snow on the chest or injuries that they might not feel because of the weight of the snow.
@@IntriguedLioness dude he was fine 🤣 literally confirmed he was ok after his face was uncovered. Weight of the snow definitely wasn’t “crushing “ his chest
@@Bighannes410 reply of the highly intelligent mind right there.
Thankfully it's standard equipment for backcountry travel in avalanche terrain. Beacon, shovel, probe is the basic kit we all carry. I'd be more surprised if he didn't have it.
Thank god that skier knew what he was doing. He went straight for his airway, which probably saved his life.
I’m not trying to argue, but… I think that’s just a given. I’ve had zero training and have never snowboarded, but my first thought was to uncover his head.
I mean, no one thinks anyone breathes through their toes 😂
Haha what? Ofc you go straight to the head/airway. It´s instinct when someone is suffocating.
For real. It's easy to think these things are automatic, but in a real life or death emergency you don't always have your wits about you and let's face it... A lot of people barely have their wits about them on a good day 😅. VERY relieved to see this play out the way it did 😳🙌
@@mermeiaentertainment Also true 😅
The original video is awesome, this dude puts all of his energy 100% into getting to the guy and saving him without hesitation. He's a hero, no doubt. And the guy trapped was incredibly gracious and polite even telling him to "take his time" as he was saving his life. Both great guys
Yes, in the original video after stopping, removing his skis and fighting uphill through that deep powder he then proceeded to dig frantically "like a big dog after a bone" for something like 2 minutes. He must have been in fantastic condition to fight his way down to the young man's face to get him air. There is one hell of a HERO.
More like 90% but he got her done.
"And the guy trapped was incredibly gracious and polite even telling him to "take his time" as he was saving his life"
Bear in mind he was probably a bit oxygen deprived at that point and light headed as a result.
You can hear it in the way he talks and see it in the way he moves.
@@mnomadvfx I know man, he was probably terrified as we all would, I just respect how his respectful nature persisted even in such a desperate situation
Why can't I find a video of him actually getting dug out???
"... and letting go of any sort of grudges or resentment." That hit me hard.
Crazy how out of touch we are with ourselves that only in those final moments do we realize how wrong and petty certain aspects of our lives can be. Perspective is pretty much everything I guess.. Don't wait till it's too late.
@@joehuffman7410 Even though I agree, you need to realise that letting go of grudges is something you partially do emotionally and partially rationally.
I know a guy that has requested my forgiveness, so he will go to heaven. The guy has not shown any change in his behaviour (stalking, s-intimidation, assault and harassment and a pretty serious stabbing that I barely avoided) so I can't just "click" something in my head and forgive him for it.
I mean, that happens gradually, as you get older and learn how messed up this guy was, you start to feel compassion for the fact he has to live with himself.
Is that letting go of grudges though... being angry that he ruined so many years of my life that left me paranoid?
I don't know, once you just 'decide to let go' you're not letting go of any emotions, you're forcing yourself to hurry a process that takes time.
@@user-wb7xd8yx4g Yes, that sounds really cute and all, but as someone that has experienced a near-death, it does not just result in an instant 'grudge-release.'
@@Widdekuu91 forgiveness of others is something you do for yourself, not for them. Once you do it's like an enormous weight is lifted from your shoulders and you feel free and alive again. It doesn't mean you have to let that person back into your life and be friends with them - sometimes the damage is far too great - but letting go of your hate and resentment lets you focus on healing the damage and move on with your life. This is something I learned for myself after someone did something to me that completely shattered my entire world and nearly caused me to have a nervous breakdown, I could literally feel my mind breaking from the pressure. But they're gone from my life now, and I've forgiven them - not because they deserve it, or asked for it, or its the right thing to do, but because living with the hatred and resentment was tearing what little was left of my soul apart.
@@cr4zyj4ck I fully understand what you mean, but you have to grow in order to be able to forgive, and not necessarily forgive in order to grow.
I cannot 'make myself forgive someone mentally' now. That takes time and effort and insight and (hopefully without being disturbed by the same person wrecking it all over again) healing.
I lost a good friend of mine at kirkwood California in 1991 who died exactly how this guy was trapped. There was 5 of us in our group 2 skiers and 3 snowboarder in 3ft to 5ft of fresh powder one of the snowboarders that day was legend shuan palmer. We all charging the mountain on chair 6 it was dumping. We got to chair lift and there was only 4 of us we waited and our friend who I have not named so to not bring painfully memories to loved ones. He was found after 7hrs and 15 ski patrols, search and rescue crew a small group of locals who volunteered to ski with the 4 of us tracing the lines where we started together that morning. Sadly we skied right over him run after run only until someone got a glimpse of his board. A scene I will never forget. Soooo stoked that this one in a million chance this guy seen his board is absolutely incredible you are a true hero.
😳
That’s so tragic, I’m sorry that must’ve been awful for you all especially because of where he was found.
Sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss and the trauma you’ve felt all your life.
Sorry for your loss. Lucky to have lived a life many never even get a glimpse of, even if but for a moment. Must have been surreal to have such a great winter and then suddenly everything changes.Appreciate all those around you but nothing takes the place of that rare space you shared together with that other soul floating in heaven, all smiles and stoke to keep the laps going. I can only wish you get to do that again someday, but in a sense you still have it right now in memories of the good times. Rest in Peace.& Ride in Peace.
I think him having a vibrant coloured snowboard may have saved him. Imagine if it had been white or a pale colour, maybe even plain wood. The spot of Red on his board was like a beacon. And lucky the skier was able to spot him with just a passing glance from the corner of him peripherals. (From a different news interview, the skier said he only caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye)
That's a very good point!!! The color could have saved him. What would be colorblindness-proof?
@@drumswest Any neon color, my dad is colorblind but no matter the color neon stands out well from the brown of the trees and the white snow
I think ill be dusting the tips of my board with a little bit of Neon Green. Thanks Gents, you may have saved my life as well! Thank you!
Yes!
@@PaulRudd1941 Neon red should stick out more and be better if you were to get stuck somewhere near greenery
The original video had me tearing up, so does this reunion. Good work, Francis. Legendary stuff. This man had minutes left and you gave him his years back.
Ok ya big baby
@@MeepMeep88 Yup 🥲
@@brian954 empathy is cool :)
I was impressed with his calming voice to the victim when he removed the snow from around his face. Then he calmly said give me a mintue to rest and get my shovel. The guy knew then that everything was going to be OK.
I'm absolutely bawling too. Just bawling. Oof. This is hard core.
They way he starts digging giving 100% breath ragged to save a life was raw. Both deserve a bright future.
Savings someone's life is the hardest workout you would ever do! Try doing CPR for 5 minutes it's insane!
@@heatherw02hw I wouldnt call that a workout, you know..... that's not appropriate!...
What are you on about? Heather is 100% correct. The amount of stress your body goes through during an experience like this and add in the insane conditions he had to deal with just to get to him and then digging him out. I would bet his heart rate was absolutely off the charts. You can hear how much energy he was exerting to save him. Don’t be pedantic and twist her words into something she didn’t mean. This guy is an absolute hero and Heather didn’t say anything to devalue that. This man is an absolute legend.
I don't think I've ever seen a better example of the right man, in the right place, at the right time. This is nothing short of a miracle. God bless this hero.
The depth of that snow, and the pure luck of skiing that exact path, catching a glimpse of red with goggles covered in snow, what a miracle! Blessings and long awesome lives to both of you and your families. One of the best stories I have seen in a very long time!
also a miracle that the RIGHT PERSON was there, and if you want to be part of a miracle like this, if you ski or snowboard, or in a family case, kayak, train for rescue and recovery! You don't have time to call in help, be the miracle, by getting the training!
NOT LUCK. GOD'S INTERVENTION.
Stop throwing around the word miracle. Dude found another dude on a busy skiing spot.
@@phillipivey4833 Right on time. Someone mentions God and the demons come out. It was obviously a miracle. God saved that man by bringing him someone with a shovel just in time. GOD IS REAL.
@@captainflappinjacks597 What an idiot you are. "Someone mentions god and the demons come out..". I didn't say anything about god and neither did the post I responded to. Try to read.
A few years ago, my nephew-in-law "drowned" in a tree well in Montana while snowboarding. It took days to find him as the group he had been with were skiing and on different trails. He is survived by my niece and their young son. :(
A friend of mine died in an avalanche in Montana on a skiing trip. Sad thing is he was going to school to study avalanches and he ignored some signs of avalanche danger and paid the price. Snow is unforgiving.
@wormhole331. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.
Cool story
RIP terrible story.
Born and raised in Montana. Use to go to showdown ski hill. I’ve never heard of tree wells. I always bladed with buddies but dang that’s scary. Sorry for your losses.
He was so calm like he wasn't about to die 😭😭❤️❤️❤️
Could be shock
he prob accepted his death so thats why, cant blame him tho its a miracle he survived
The fear of death makes place for acceptance once you get face to face with it
if he was panicking he would die for sure
Starting to see more and more of these success stories of what to do and what to have with you. People too often complain about carrying extra gear like a packable shovel or avalanche chute or Emergency Personal Locator Beacon but they are being shown in more of these videos to have saved lives. Hopefully it convinces not just those people who go out in these areas to bring this equipment but their friends and loved ones to buy the gear and an encourage its use. Someday we won't have to watch videos about missing hikers, skiers, and mountaineers that have never been heard from again; just great stories of how being prepared saved lives.
If you do go into the back country without all that stuff you're really taking a chance. these avalanche backpacks are unreal too. search a video of inflating backpacks and see how effective at keeping you on top the avalanche they are! somehow they make you float to the top as if the flowing snow were liquid. On that note, taking a avalanche course and learning how to read the snow conditions etc is a must before even considering back country riding as well imo.
Do these people carry transponders, gps emergency call or air tags?
@@safffff1000 Many of the avalanche "life vests" have transponders on them that go off automatically if the bag deploys. The transponders most often are localized units though, just intended to alert rapid response searchers when they are close, because if you are under the snow satellite beacons tend to not work so well. The bags themselves inflate and keep the person near the top of the avalanche flow but not on top of it and they can still end up buried to deep to get out but the bag helps create a space around their head so they can still get enough air to breathe until help arrives.
@@socket_error1000 Ok
@@bmartin2304 Flowing snow is liquid. Take a course in fluid dynamics
Brings a tear to my eye. That boarder was probably within minutes of being dead and only absolute random luck and the quick actions and skill of someone else saved his life.
Francis is def a hero and wow was it amazing he noticed the board.
he isnt a hero. he is a ordinary human with a kind heart and knows what to do!
@@coraline1503
Some humans are more extraordinary than others.
@@coraline1503what is the point in gatekeeping who can and can’t be a hero. Francis saved someone’s life, I think that makes him a hero does it not?
@@coraline1503 those are the definitions of a hero.
@@somewhatfunnyguyy I'm not her, so I have no idea what she really meant, but I don't think her intention was to "gatekeep". This was a feat of extraordinary observation, determination, strength, preparedness (shovel) etc. Had it been me, the poor man would be dead. This skier is an uncommon hero.
But one thing I know is that the act of people helping people 50 years ago was very very common and so taken for granted. It was never remarked upon. It's just what everybody did, because we were all human beings. So sometimes we old people are startled to hear of someone stopping to help another change a tire being called a "hero". One was always grateful for the help, and perhaps you made a lifelong friend in the process, but everybody would stop for everybody else back in the day.
If you mowed/shoveled an old lady's lawn, you wouldn't put it on RUclips. It's just what we did. You never considered yourself heroic for helping a neighbor. I don't know if that's what she meant. Like I said, he seems like Superman to me, I could not have done any of that.
This makes me cry , how close he was to not being found . Miracles are real.
its not a miracle its just pure luck and randomness, as many many die alone in horrific circumstances with no so called "miracle"
God is good!
Never thought about needing a brighter base graphic until now 🤔
In sold. Buying the burton custom soon
Yeah seriously
The gentleman who was buried in the snow came out of this with a higher appreciation for his life and that's just beautiful. This story is a great example of human kindness and gratitude ❤️
Great to see them enjoying some spirits together. They are now life long friends with one hell of a story to tell.
That's beer
@@jadedvoice1053 No idea what it was, but it was in a Lounge (Bar), & they were enjoying the moment. Be it beer, wine, whiskey, or milk, it was bringing the "Spirits" of the two together. That's why they call it Spirits.
Tree wells are really dangerous, even more so for boarders as they can’t get their board off once in them. Great this guy got help! We’re all in this together enjoying the snow!
Great story… the look on the rescued man’s face at the very end… looking at the person who saved his life…he’s probably never looked at anyone like that before. Truly priceless.
Humanity at its finest. I hope you guys stay in touch forever.
Just saw the original video earlier, man's a hero and a legend. A big thank you from all riders and skiers!
That’s one way to start a friendship
Man, what a well of emotion this story brings up.
IS THAT A PUN?!?! at a time like this?? lol
This has blown up in the UK. What a legend you are we need more people like you in the world
Birmingham in the house
To all who carry equipment and are prepared for these situations, thank you. Thank you so much for thinking about the unknown enough to prepare. I want to believe more people are prepared than not. I hope I'm right. 🙏🏻
Best story on the whole internet. Glad you're both home safely.
Imagine how proud this dudes parents are rn
I worked with Francis in NY at a brewery. He was such a good soul. This makes sense. Good job Francis!!!
Watching them drinking and having a good chat is the best part of this story. So glad this was a happy story. We need way more like this.
Beautiful true story. You can almost see Snow Angels directing the skier to see the snowboard. Back country skiing usually means VERY FEW people will be around. A mountain miracle!!
Death feels so far away till it's right in your face. The horror the snowboarder must have felt. The puzzle fell into place.
My cousin died in an avalanche while snowboarding on Baker. I'm so glad that this gentleman was there and took such quick action. He's a true hero! This is also a great reminder of how important it is to be prepared and to stay alert to what is going on around you.
Im sorry for your loss 😔
@@JsHuWa-ne6is Thank you.
Such a cool story and a very lucky guy to he alive! He could of skied anywhere on that mountain, so glad it came out in a perfect situation to stay alive!
Fr🥺
I am so glad the skier was able to rescue that guy. I hope they have many decades of slope time ahead of them
This made me so emotional. I was crying the first time I saw it. Thank you for saving this man’s life
Very fortunate young man that he was found and rescued.
By the grace of God Francis was there that day to rescue another human being. Such a humble hero.
I didn't see God shovelling out there. All the thanks go to Francis, well done man!
An absolute miracle of a rescue - God bless them both!!!
Such an amazing and happily ending story- So MUCH luck involved to be enjoying this outcome. I will buy these two every beer they want to drink, in my presence, forever.
This is the best of humanity.
Unbelievable moment wow what an angel.
What a fantastic story. Very lucky snow boarder and heroic skier.
Francis Zuber is a legendary hero in my book!!!
That snow boarder might be the luckiest person alive. Maybe even ever.
There has been a lot more improbable rescues than this one. He definitely did get lucky though.
@@bearclaw5115 how long was he upside down for? Do we know?
Wow!!! The snowboarder has the best attitude! God’s blessings to them both! Please stay safe out there!
The rescue video was so freaky. I sent it to my brother. He never responds to anything I send him but he did that video!!! Thank God he was rescued!!!
Definitely a feel good story.
That's F-ing awesome! A story that'll never get old between eachother, having some cold brew-skies.🤙🏽🍻
This comment deservers more likes. And the man that saved the guy in the snow is incredible ❤
I was in the same situation once. I was snowboarding out of bounds at Winter Park and slid up underneath a tree. I wasn't covered completely but I couldn't move. I must have waited 45 minutes before some guys found me. Skiing is one of the most dangerous sports but it sure is fun! Most people on the slopes will help you out of a pickle.
I don't ski or snow board, but I think many people associate the risk of out-of-bounds skiing with hitting trees, never realizing the risk tree wells pose.
@@user-zg1wz8fh8f Yep. Hitting a tree going 20 or 30 miles per hour is like getting hit by a car. Always wear a helmet!
I'm bawling cuz u made me not " hate" the world today. 💕💕💕 Thank you ❤️🙏🕊️
Isn’t it interesting? I’m meeting SOOO many people who are sort of saying the same thing. That they are telling those they love that they love them and that they are feeling great gratitude for life. ME TOO!
Wow, this is just so lucky and such a happy story.
It looks like a good reason to have your snowboard or skis brightly decorated on both sides.
I'd be painting my board/skis atomic red! My heart is with you both ❤
Right! Made me think of the neon 80's ski clothing. There's a good practical reason for those colors. When we bike, I like to wear that bright yellow or pink for good reasons.
Orange is great in flat light / inclement weather. LED lights on bottom of skiis that activate when upside down?
This is why you never go out for rock climbing/winter sports for an extended period of time…..alone. Bravo bro’s, good job on the save. 👏
He wasn't alone.
This is why you don’t comment when you don’t know the story
He had a bunch of friends with him and they were looking for him. Just hard to spot someone in a situation like this.
Good people make this world worth fighting for❤.
Wow. Dude is so lucky that guy was behind him. Kudos to the guy that saved his life.
Amazing that the skier is so young & so prepared!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 God Bless them both!! Amazing rescue!! 🙌🏻🤗❤️
What an incredible story.
You were sooooooo blessed to have that man come across you.
You were destined to become friends,
The fact that the skier even happened apon him at the right moment... Seems like a total Miracle from God. That guys a Hero and you can tell the snowboarder is thankful to have a new lease on life.
nearly bringing a tear to my eye, to see Humanity at its absolute greatest, Kudos to you sir, right place, right time, calm, controlled, prepared and a hero. Great work from the snowboarder to, understanding to stay calm, and to wave that board a little, to catch someones attention then not panic when he knew someone was there. The rescue was the greatest video ive watched on youtube period.
This man is so fortunate to be alive! Everyone going off alone, whether snowboarding, skiing or just hiking, should carry a PLB (personal locator beacon) attached to an area where they can activate it in the event of an emergency.
I saw the first video a few hours ago, that guy was one lucky fella that day!!
Thank the Lord the skier came to your rescue! Thank you Sir,, your an angel! I couldn't stop watching!
Amazing Rescue! I saw the original video and found myself holding my breath!! My daughter is a snow boarder and this was my fear when ever she went out. Being from Vermont I can easily picture all that snow! Kudos to you both. Stay safe!
An acquaintance of mine has just attended a back-country skiing course. The range of rescue and snow-testing equipment and knowledge you need to reduce risk was mind-blowing. The biggest risk isn't even falling into a hole, it's causing an avalanche.
I worked a big mountain. Our biggest death rate was folks hitting their head on trees.
And these dudes might become best friends for life. Cool story
The skier is a guardian angel in human form.
The skier almost took the path to the right around the tree when he went left and seen the board on top of the snow and stopped.
Divine intervention, I'm thinking.
Fantastic video, even more fantastic outcome.
God Bless them both.
By that insane logic your master also put him upside down to die to begin with. 😂
@0verfiend God did put him upside down. We will never know why and that's ok. God owes you nothing and you only exist because of him.
@@0verfiend Dude just let people have their moment. Go be proud of your own infallable logic somewhere else, k thnx bye.
A true needle in a haystack situation. This is a remarkable story.
Dudes , you made my day .
Francis Zuber, you are the man!!!!
Thankfully, the snowboard had bright, colorful graphics on the base. I doubt the skier would have seen it had it been a plain black base. I always wear colorful clothing and skis. I went for colorful bases just to make recovering them in deep snow easier, but after watching this, they could be a life saver.
For sure, dude would have skiied right by my white bottomed board with a faint grey Sims graphic. Heli guides often wear bright orange beanies and jackets for visibility, especially in inclement weather.
The front salad back salad front blunt hat. Dude seems like exactly who I want in my backcountry crew
Haha for sure
Got like 2 minutes of footy.
It's all been done, 411 issue number 52
What exactly does that mean?
@@stormbear3365 yeah right.
This video is a good reminder for anyone skiing off-piste through heavily wooded areas: You can die very easily. Nothing is flagged, you could hit a boulder or fall into the tree well this snowboarder did, except he got VERY lucky. Always ski or board with a companion, log when you hit trails or ANY run, and have a RECCO badge or two on your helmet and boot. I like playing hard, but you can have the same fun making a few SAFE tweaks to your sessions.
back country or in a ski resort always be carful. My best friend passed in exactly that position but he wasn't in back country he pass in a tree well right beside the cat track almost a the bottom of the mountain.
So sorry for ur loss😢
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend
God Bless both their souls!!! 🙏🙌🙏
Same thing happened to me in 92-93 season. It's terrifying.
Thanks a million for the excellent follow up!
Bless you sir!!!!
God bless you sir! 😊
Omg i just saw the original video a few hours ago and i held my breathe the whole time! What a hero and good human. Tree wells are frightening!
Just beautiful 😢
Glad you're all ok 🙏😇🤗🥰
Even though I have 0 experience In any kind of situation regarding the environment, I still firmly believe that exploring or going out in the environment must be done with at least 1 or 2 other people. The last thing you want to be is alone in a place nobody knows you’re at.
A miracle the astute skier found him. While watching another video of this I was thinking, "oh no, how will they get down now? They both have got to be exhausted.". 💕
I'm so glad you 2 can sit down to a couple of beers and this turned out the way it did
I hope people learn from this not to snowboard or ski alone. If that guy hadn't taken that route and followed the one in front of him it might have been too late before someone found him. So relieved he's ok.
He wasn’t snowboarding alone. He was in a group with other 3 snowboarders. He was on a tail end.
That’s an unreal needle in a haystack find…. That’s seriously ridiculous, my Dad is a backcountry rider and he says that mountain is so wide that was god bringing them together 🙏
That is beyond a miracle.
statistical chance ...
probability and stochastic principles ...
Thank you so much francis ❤
Lloro cada vez que los veo 😭
Awesome! Nice work 🤘🔨
So good to know you are alright! So grateful this guy was there to help you! 🙏🧡
So awesome! Thanks for sharing both the rescue and the reunion. Tearing up over here!
Good stuff fellas🤙🏽
Baker was banging today❤
Makes me cry to see skiers and snowboarders come together and look out for each other.
Compassion is the fashion …lovely men