[Austin Nelson] “Back in April of 2012, I was part of a four person group that was accessing Mt. Worthington Glacier by snowmachines to enjoy an awesome day of skiing. Things went dark when I fell 80ft into a hidden, snow covered Bergschrund. My three buddies that I was with immediately accessed the situation and feared that this would be a recovery mission.
After noticing a helicopter parked about a mile away, they knew the most efficient and safest way to proceed with the recovery was to seek outside help since none of them were very experienced with crevasse rescue. Upon approaching the heli by snowmachine it was clear they had made the right decision since it was non other than Valdez Heli Ski Guides. Lead Guide Jed Workman immediately jumped onto the back of the snowmachine, whipped up to the site, and started to assess the situation. They roped each other in and slowly approached the edge fearing that they too could fall in or worse they would not hear any response after yelling down. I thankfully was conscious and was able to communicate back to them that I was in fact ok but had severely broken my leg. The next decision was swiftly made to fly the helicopter in to assist with what was now a time sensitive rescue mission.
Within two hours I was safely pulled from this massive dark hole and greeted by plenty of very well trained respected professionals who I thank everyday for saving my life. If it weren’t for Valdez Heli Ski Guides in the area to assist with such a rescue, I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be here today. Thank you Jed Workman, thank you VHSG!”
Austin Nelson
Manager at Surefoot, Aspen Colorado
www.surefoot.com