Snowboarder "Stoked to be Alive" After Avalanche Releases on Live TV
German snowboarder Leo Schweizer said he was “stoked to be alive” after he triggered a large avalanche that caught and carried him on February 1, 2026.
Schweizer was competing in a 4-star Freeride World Tour (FWT) qualifier event at Serre-Chevalier, France, when the incident occurred. The entire ordeal was caught on a livestream camera and narrated by a French commentator.
Tap or click below to watch. Pay attention to how Schweizer attempts to remain on top of the avalanche debris and eventually deploys his avalanche airbag. Keep reading for more.
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Schweizer confirmed that he’s “completely fine and alive” in the video description. He attributes his well-being to his avalanche airbag, which helped to keep him on top of the fast-moving debris.
“I was on top of the avalanche because of my Airbag, so buy yourself an airbag,” offered Schweizer in the comments section.
The Freeride World Tour and FWT Qualifiers take place on natural slopes and natural snow surfaces. Extensive avalanche mitigation efforts are taken to protect athletes, but as Schweizer experienced this past weekend, safety can never be guaranteed in the mountains.
Professional skier and adrenaline-sports legend JT Holmes chimed in to offer an explanation.
“I am sure the FWT had good mountain guides assessing the venue and deemed it safe,” he said. “It goes to show that even when using our best judgment, slopes can fail unexpectedly.”
The Freeride World Tour has not issued a public statement regarding the incident at this time.
Stay tuned in here at POWDER for our coverage of the first Freeride World Championships scheduled to take place tomorrow, February 3, 2026.
Related: Nearly 60 Evacuated From Lift at Ivy League College Ski Area
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