Avalanche
Rylan Cordova, a Truckee, California, resident, general manager at Alibi Truckee, and a good friend of SnowBrains, is recovering from serious injuries after being caught in a skier-triggered avalanche on April 2 while skiing with friends in the Tahoe backcountry. The avalanche, which occurred on a northeast-facing slope near Peak 9269′ at about 8,500 feet, swept Cordova approximately 300 vertical feet through a cliff area, slamming him into a tree and causing multiple spinal fractures and a bruised spinal cord.
Cordova was unable to move or feel his legs immediately following the accident. Quick-thinking friends stabilized him and coordinated a complex rescue, with multiple agencies ultimately hoisting him out by helicopter. He was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Reno, Nevada, where he underwent emergency spinal surgery to fuse several vertebrae with rods and screws.
After nine days in the hospital, including time in the ICU, Cordova returned home to begin a lengthy recovery. He now wears a cervical collar and is limited in movement, with ongoing numbness and loss of dexterity in his hands and arms. Occupational and physical therapy, along with possible future surgeries, are part of his road to regaining strength and function. Full recovery could take up to six months, but Cordova remains determined to ski again at his previous level.
The community response has been overwhelming. Cordova’s family, led by his sister Beth Walden, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with mounting medical expenses and rescue bills, raising $37,571. “The outpouring of support has been very overwhelming in a very positive way,” he told The Sierra Sun, describing how messages and visits from friends and strangers alike have buoyed his spirits during this challenging time.
