By The Canadian Press

Quick thinking saves man’s life in Kootenay avalanche

Jan 2, 2018 | 6:44 AM

INVERMERE—    RCMP say a man skiing near the southeastern B-C community of Invermere owes his life to his friend after being buried by an avalanche.

    The slide occurred New Year’s Eve in the Hopeful Creek area on the back side of Panorama Mountain, catching two skiers, but Mounties say one of the men saw his friend’s hand protruding from the snow and managed to dig him out in time.

    The buried man was checked by paramedics but was unhurt.

    RCMP say they ordered the skier to buy his quick-thinking friend a drink when celebrating the arrival of the new year.