BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Here is a reminder to be careful when you are riding the Mount Baker backcountry.
A skier and snowboarder recently reunited in Bellingham after a harrowing rescue near the Mount Baker Ski Area.
KING5 reports Francis Zuber was skiing with a friend on March 3rd when he spotted a snowboard sticking out of the snow.
The snowboarder, Ian Steger, had fallen into a tree well and was buried head down deep in the fresh powder.
Zuber dug through the snow for two minutes before he was able to make contact with Steger.
He was able to dig Steger out eventually, and they both rode to safety uninjured.
Mount Baker Ski Area’s Backcountry Policy says if you leave the ski area boundary you should go with a partner, have an avalanche transceiver and a shovel, and have knowledge of local avalanche conditions.
