Two Men Injured in Anchorage Avalanche Rescue Near Falls Creek Trail

Two skiers were hospitalized after being caught in an avalanche near Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday afternoon, prompting a coordinated rescue response involving local firefighters and a medical evacuation helicopter.

The incident occurred near the Falls Creek Trail, a popular backcountry skiing area located in the Chugach Mountains just east of Anchorage. Anchorage Fire Department personnel responded to the scene after receiving reports of the avalanche around 2:30 p.m. Local time, according to emergency dispatch logs.

Upon arrival, rescuers located two male skiers who had been partially buried in the snowslide. Both individuals were conscious and able to communicate with responders, though they exhibited signs of hypothermia and trauma consistent with avalanche exposure. Firefighters assisted in extricating the skiers and provided immediate medical care before transferring them to awaiting emergency personnel.

A rescue helicopter operated by the Alaska Air National Guard or a contracted air medical service was dispatched to the remote location to facilitate rapid transport. The aircraft landed in a nearby clearing and evacuated both skiers to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage for further evaluation, and treatment.

Officials have not released the names, ages, or hometowns of the injured skiers, citing medical privacy protocols. However, authorities confirmed that both individuals were wearing avalanche safety gear, including beacons, probes, and shovels, which likely aided in their rapid location and contributed to the positive outcome of the rescue.

The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center had issued a moderate avalanche danger rating for the Turnagain Arm region — which includes the Falls Creek Trail area — earlier in the day due to recent snowfall and wind loading on steep slopes. Backcountry travelers were advised to exercise caution and carry proper safety equipment when venturing into avalanche terrain.

This incident marks one of several backcountry rescues reported in the Anchorage area during the 2025–2026 winter season, as increased snowpack and variable weather patterns have elevated avalanche risks across southcentral Alaska. The Alaska Mountain Safety Center continues to urge skiers and snowboarders to check forecast conditions, travel with partners, and carry essential rescue gear when exploring uncontrolled slopes.

As of Saturday morning, both skiers remained in stable condition at the hospital. No further details about their injuries or expected recovery timelines have been made public. The Anchorage Fire Department and state troopers have not launched a formal investigation into the incident, treating it as an accidental avalanche encounter rather than a case requiring inquiry into negligence or equipment failure.