An injured backcountry skier was rescued by the Alaska National Guard after being swept 800 to 1000 feet down a mountain slope in Girdwood, Alaska. The skier triggered an avalanche while descending a slope called Big League near Mount Alyeska. He was the third person in his group to ride down the slope and was partially buried near the debris after being carried over multiple cliff bands. His companions were able to partially dig him out and it was discovered that he had a femur fracture. A local ski guide provided aid before the group used a satellite communication device to request assistance. The Alaska Army National Guard's 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion responded and airlifted the skier to an Anchorage hospital. The skier's injuries were described as serious but he was in stable condition. The avalanche was unexpected and occurred during a time when avalanche forecasters were cautioning about the potential for increased avalanche risk due to warming weather.