Years ago I got wrapped around an avalanche danger sign up where Gross Ventre is stair stepping down the mountain. I was 2/3 into a slow sideways tip over, my right shoulder maybe 12 inches above the top of the snow pack (loose) when my Stratos went both side of the sign post. My luck was holding, and I felt no pain after the slap down. I sheared the sign post off clean at the top of the snow. Dumb ass luck strikes again. Your pal looks to have had his luck turn, and not in a great direction. Sometimes you get more than what you paid for.
He tore his rotator cuff. Sorry, at the time this was posted, we didn't know the severity of his injuries. He has just had the surgery and has already booked the trip again for next year!
