Missoula, MT – A pair of Montana skiers survived a frightening brush with not one, but two avalanches Wednesday out of bounds at Snowbowl near Missoula.nThe unidentified pair, ages 32 and 42, were first struck by an avalanche that broke 400 feet above them and buried the younger man up to his neck, according to Missoula Country Sheriff Mike McMeekin. They were in the process of climbing out to a nearby radio tower site to call for assistance when the second slide broke 500 feet above them and partially buried them both. Each dug themselves out and hiked to safety for five hours under their own power.

The older victim suffered a head injury after striking a tree in the second slide, sustaining numerous lacerations. Both lost their ski gear. The West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation rated the avalanche danger as High on Wednesday.