2 Skiers Hospitalized After Alaska Avalanche Rescue

Helicopter swoops in to transport injured men to Anchorage hospitals.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:18am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, white, and blue, capturing the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world in Alaska's mountainous regions.The rugged Alaskan terrain poses grave risks for outdoor enthusiasts, as evidenced by a recent avalanche rescue that required the coordination of emergency services and volunteer groups.Anchorage Today

Two skiers were hospitalized after being caught in an avalanche near Falls Creek Trail in Anchorage, Alaska. The Alaska State Troopers and Anchorage Fire Department responded to the incident, with a rescue helicopter transporting the injured men to local hospitals.

Why it matters

Avalanche incidents are a serious concern in Alaska's rugged terrain, especially as more people seek outdoor recreation. This rescue highlights the importance of well-trained volunteer groups like the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group and the coordination between emergency services to respond quickly and effectively to such dangerous situations.

The details

According to authorities, three men were skiing a snow chute at Falls Creek Trail when two of them were caught in an avalanche. The two injured skiers were able to self-extricate before being assisted by the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group and transported by an Alaska State Troopers helicopter to landing zones near the Seward Highway, where ground ambulances took them to Anchorage hospitals.

  • The avalanche incident was reported to authorities at 2:24 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • The Alaska State Troopers helicopter, Helo 3, transported the first injured skier to a landing zone near Mile 106 of the Seward Highway at around 5:51 p.m. the same day.
  • Helo 3 then transported the second injured skier to an Anchorage hospital.

The players

Anchorage Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the avalanche incident, staging a landing zone and remaining on standby to assist with the rescue.

Alaska State Troopers

The state law enforcement agency that coordinated the rescue effort, including dispatching a helicopter to transport the injured skiers.

Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

A volunteer group of well-trained rescuers who assisted in bringing the injured skiers out of the field and to the landing zones.

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What they’re saying

“The volunteers of the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group are well trained, capable, and invaluable members of our Alaska community.”

— Anchorage Fire Department

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the avalanche and the extent of the skiers' injuries. The Alaska Mountain Rescue Group will likely review their response procedures to identify any areas for improvement in future avalanche rescues.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the inherent risks of outdoor recreation in Alaska's rugged terrain and the critical role that emergency services and volunteer rescue groups play in responding to such dangerous situations. It serves as a reminder for skiers and other adventurers to exercise caution and be prepared when venturing into the backcountry.