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LEADVILLE, Colo. (AP) — A 19-year-old skier was buried up to his neck but survived a weekend avalanche near Copper Mountain.

The man was skiing with two friends Saturday on the northeast side of Bartlett Peak between Copper Mountain and Leadville. The teen's friends said he made five or six turns before an avalanche broke about 50 feet above him. He was buried up to his neck, but his friends dug him out and called for rescue.

The Summit County Rescue Group said the slide was about 500 feet long. The unnamed skier was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Rescue groups are warning backcountry skiers to be prepared for avalanches. Already this season slides have been reported in Rocky Mountain National Park and on Independence, Loveland and Jones passes.

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