The following video is the talk of the ski internet since late last week.
Oh. My. God. thread on TGR ski forum is up to 155 replies and over 12,000 views tonight.
It has even made the real media like the Daily Mail: Caught on camera: The moment skier cheats death after tumbling down a rock-infested mountain and walks away unscathed.
Stefan Ager and a friend climbed this peak and ski a sweet steep line on the Stubai Glacier in Austria Alps. Sitting on a knife edge and thinking of filming a memorable experience that will live forever in their hearts, heads and on video. Then something went terribly wrong. It was going to be an experience that those involved will remember for the rest of their long lives (we hope).
I don’t like to judge on skiers mistakes, we unfortunately all make mistakes either on skis or crossing the street. Sometimes by just wanting to goof off, without thinking. I’ve made some stupid moves when I was a kid, but it wasn’t so flagrant as I could have lost my life that easily. Either by driving fast on snow or running across the street on a red light. The lesson of this video is to think, and be smart.
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The author and skier initially posted the video himself on the Vimeo video site, however it’s been set to private recently. But like all things on the internet, a few people posted it elsewhere on the internet.
Stefan Ager’s initial Vimeo post. There were a few good comments and everyone seemed happy that he was still alive.
Here is the Youtube version of the crash:
Bikeinmotion used Twixtor to slowdown the crash by 400%. Even more amazing in slowmotion. You really realized how lucky he was and just a few feet further and he could have ended up in the Hospital forever or dead. This video has since been set to private, but you can see it here.
Comments and questions:
– The fall was something like 400 meters.
– He seems to have been able to get up and walk around.
– That helmet cam is pretty shock resistant.
– Did he have to climb out? Did his friend tried to ski down to him?
– Marker Dukes… how high was his DIN settings? 42??? He didn’t lose a ski. Not sure my old Naxos would have survived?
Maybe a few answers will be known if Stefan decides to respond. I’m sure I’m not the only one that is real curious. I think one of the reasons why he pulled his video was the response and attention he was getting. Not all good I suspect. Not fun to watch people laugh and your F*ck ups.
Don’t rely on luck to stay alive!!!
Be careful out there, think and be safe.
May 22 Edit: Video links have been updated…again.
That is interesting in slow motion. What strikes me is that Stefan had the presence of mind to get his skis back under him twice. While he was almost completely out of control, it looks like he was able to put space between himself and the rocks at critical moments. Whereas if he was going ass over tea kettle, he would have been a total goner. Regardless, a couple feet in either direction would have produced a much different (and tragic) results.
You gotta wonder if GoPro and Marker are going to try to contact Stefan for some marketing an PR outta that video? Or perhaps through social media, the video is its own PR.
I was wondering if the possible cashing in for his ‘misfortune’ was behind his removal of this clip off Vimeo. The problem is that, from my understanding, he gave access to download an HD format of this clip. That’s one of the reasons why it’s on Youtube now.
Really curious if we see Stefan video again in the mainstream media/marketing at one point. It’s an incredible story of dumb luck.
Geez that slo-mo is frightening. I can relate to the fall more from a climbing perpective than skiing, but either way it really makes you stop & think. Which is something that everyone who spends time in the mountains should do more.
I really hate to second guess here, but given his position where he choose to put his skis on. I would stay away as far from the edge in case I would slide off. Not sure if started sliding off from the moment he put his skis or if he tried to go around his buddy and didn’t realize he was too close to the edge. Better judgment and thinking more about where he was was the first thing. I can think of a few others points.
Wow! Scary stuff, one moment just standing there the next moment a human pinball.
Yeah, we all have those moments that we survive, I recall a pool incident when I was young, I am the only person who knew how much trouble I was in.
Yeah, you are right not to be too judgmental about this is correct. The fact they were up there in the first place means they are accomplished skiers and mountaineers. It happens, and when it does, we all hope the Guardian Angel has orders to save us.