Boulder County, Colo. -

On Sunday June 16, 2024, at approximately 10:37 am, Boulder County Communications was notified of a skier who had sustained serious injuries in the area of the Skywalker Couloir on South Arapahoe Peak, west of Nederland.

The 47-year-old male, was beginning a ski descent of the couloir when he fell, sliding and tumbling approximately 1,000 to 2,000 feet down on the snowfield before coming to a stop at a rock ledge. Two off duty firefighters recreating in the area witnessed the fall and were able to call 911. They also began to descend to where the injured male had stopped. They arrived on scene and were able to provide first aid to the injured skier, as well as relay information to the responding rescue teams.

Rescuers and medical personnel from Rocky Mountain Rescue Group were flown near the scene by MedEvac and were able to climb up to the injured party and begin providing additional medical care. They were assisted by other bystanders who helped carry in equipment to the scene. Additional rescuers hiked in from the Fourth of July Trailhead bringing additional equipment.

Rescuers on the ground were able to place the skier in a full body vacuum splint and prepare him for transport. The injured skier was subsequently hoisted from the scene by the Colorado Hoist Rescue Team, He was transported by the hoist helicopter to Nederland Middle/Senior High School, where the helicopter landed. The skier was transferred to Paramedics from American Medical Response and was transported by ambulance to a local area hospital for further care and evaluation. He was transported with serious injuries but remained stable throughout the incident.

Agencies assisting with this rescue effort included: Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County Open Space, Nederland Fire Protection District, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Colorado Search and Rescue Association, Colorado Hoist Rescue Team, MedEvac, and American Medical Response.

The associated Boulder County Sheriff's Office case number is: #24-02937.

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/s/ Ryan Singer, Emergency Service Coordinator