Skier Breaks Leg in Vail, CO Backcountry Avalanche:

Three skiers in their 30s were caught in an avalanche at 9am in the Pitkin Creek area near Vail ski resort on Thursday morning.  All three had avalanche equipment.

One of the skiers broke his leg and was taken to Vail Valley Medical Center.

The avalanche danger at the time of the avalanche was rated at “Considerable” or a 3 out of 5.  More people die in the “Considerable” rating than any other.

The Colorado Air National Guard’s High Altitude Aviation Training Site sent a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to rescue the injured skier.  The injured skier was in an ambulance less than an hour after the avalanche.  Great rescue work.