A Wisconsin man is lucky to be alive after being buried in an avalanche he triggered while snowmobiling in Colorado. The incident, which he recorded on camera, occurred on Thursday, Feb. 20, at Hahns Peak, a popular destination for Aidan Croft and his family. He described the moments he was buried in the snow.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Croft, 22, was snowmobiling with his father, brother, and two of his father's friends when the group encountered difficulties on a series of hills.
While some members of the group got stuck, Croft, who considered himself the most experienced snowmobiler, took it upon himself to find an easier path to the summit. Riding at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, Croft initially hesitated but decided to turn around and rejoin his group. As he scraped the bottom of the hill, an avalanche suddenly erupted 400 feet above him, burying him under four feet of snow.
The footage from Croft's GoPro, mounted to his chest, went dark as the avalanche overtook him. Trapped, Croft pushed through the snow to clear a small opening for air. He soon saw the mountain that had slid off and realized the danger of a nearby six-foot snow shelf that could collapse at any moment.
Snow-Where To Go
Croft's immediate priority was to contact his group. Using his ham radio, he spent 10 minutes digging for a signal. Once successful, he urgently called for help, warning the group to maintain a safe distance from his location due to the risk of further snow shifts.
For the next 80 minutes, Croft remained buried, attempting to stay calm despite the overwhelming situation. He worked to free his legs, but the melting snow around him had hardened into ice, making it difficult to move. As panic set in, he focused on his breathing and tried to conserve energy.
After 90 minutes, a group of snowmobilers arrived, led to him by his family. Armed with shovels, they began digging, ultimately freeing Croft from the snow. In a heartfelt moment, Croft hugged his rescuers, thanking them for saving his life. Remarkably, he was unharmed and did not require hospital treatment.
Despite his narrow escape, Croft emphasized the importance of safety and preparation. He urged others to take avalanche risks seriously, noting that proper gear and awareness could prevent similar incidents. "Take nature more seriously," Croft told PEOPLE. "If you're in doubt, you should probably have the right equipment."
