Deep in the sidecountry of Mt. Baker, skier Zuber was riding through fresh powder with a friend when something unusual caught his eye — just the tip of a snowboard barely poking out of the snow near a tree. It was quick, just a glimpse, but it was enough to stop him in his tracks.

That tiny clue turned out to be a life-or-death signal. Beneath the snow, upside down in a tree well, a snowboarder was trapped and slowly suffocating.

A Race Against Time

The snowboarder wasn’t alone — he had been riding with three other experienced backcountry riders. They had all the right gear: beacons, shovels, probes, and radios. But in the thick trees and deep snow, no one had seen him fall.

Zuber quickly made his way to the buried man. He first called out, “Are you alright?” but got no answer. Instantly, he began packing down snow with his skis to build a safe path. Then he took off his skis, dropped to his knees, and started digging with his bare hands.

A Breath of Life

The intense moment was caught on video. You can hear Zuber calmly talking to the trapped snowboarder as he digs. Suddenly, a small silver visor appears, then the man’s mouth — he gasps, taking his first breath of air in what may have felt like forever.

Without wasting time, Zuber grabs an emergency shovel and keeps digging until the snowboarder is fully free. It’s a powerful, emotional rescue — one that could have ended in tragedy if Zuber hadn’t noticed that small sign in the snow.

A Lesson for Every Rider

Zuber later posted the video on Instagram with a simple, chilling message:
“Tree wells are real.” He added, “The mountains don’t care how skilled or experienced you are.”

This moment, now shared across national news and even featured on Good Morning America, is a powerful reminder for anyone who ventures into the backcountry. Always be aware, always be prepared, and never let your guard down — because sometimes, it’s the smallest clue that saves a life.