A snowmobiler who was trapped in avalanche debris for roughly an hour was safely rescued Monday in the backcountry near Vail Pass.

The snowmobiler triggered the avalanche on Shrine Mountain west of Vail Pass around noon on Monday, Feb. 17, according to Colorado Avalanche Information Center reports. A friend who was traveling with the snowmobiler called 911 after they were unable to locate the rider who triggered the slide.

Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Summit County Rescue Group members responded to the scene.

A rescuer was able to see the snowmobiler’s avalanche airbag sticking out of the snow, and rescuers unburied the rider, who was conscious but cold.

The snowmobiler was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Avalanche officials issued multiple warnings ahead of the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend urging recreationists to avoid avalanche terrain as a snowstorm headed toward Colorado, including a special avalanche warning. Avalanche danger was high, a Level 4 out of five, on Monday and through most of the holiday weekend.

Anyone venturing in the backcountry should  always carry proper safety gear, including an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, and know how to use those tools. Backcountry recreationists are strongly encouraged to received certification in assessing avalanche danger and snowpack conditions before heading out into the backcountry. Avalanche forecasts, warnings and conditions can be found at Avalanche.State.Co.us/