The consequences could have been much more serious for an off-piste skier last Saturday in Savoie.
While the resort of Val Thorens had just launched its winter season, a 36-year-old man caused an avalanche on the north face of Cime Caron, reports France Bleu Pays de Savoie.
A snowslide occurred over approximately 350 m, after the fall of a block at an altitude of 2,800 m.
The skier was carried away and then buried.
A hand sticking out of the snow
Luckily, Val Thorens rescue trackers spotted one of the 30-year-old's hands sticking out of the pile of snow.
They quickly located the victim and were able to extract him.
The man was still conscious and was taken to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne hospital for examinations.
But he comes out of it safe and sound.
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