Christchurch, New Zealand – Snowboarder Luke Mitrani is recovering at a Christchurch hospital after successful surgery to stabilize a fractured vertebrae.

Mitrani fractured his fifth cervical vertebra on Sunday while training in the halfpipe at Cardrona Alpine Resort near Queenstown. According to U.S. Snowboarding Medical Director Kyle Wilkens, New Zealand doctors said that Monday’s surgery was successful in stabilizing the injury. He was reported to be neurologically sound but will continue to be monitored.

“Hey guys, I wanted to let you know I’m doing much better and the past two days have been terrifying,” Mitrani posted to Instagram on Tuesday. “I fell in the halfpipe two days ago and landed on my back…I was paralyzed for the first minutes…slowly got the feeling back and then got airlifted on a two-hour helicopter ride to Christchurch.

“Surgery consisted of them taking part of my hip bone out and then cutting my throat to replace and stabilize my neck (C5),” he continued. “Thanks to everyone for the love and good vibes!!! I’m So grateful to say that I’m gonna be okay…Appreciate every second of this life while we have it!!!”

A Vermont native who now lives in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Mitrani jumped to fifth in the World Snowboard Tour rankings last season with two podiums on the Sprint U.S. Grand Prix.