Video: Life And Skiing After An Avalanche
Roger Strong survived an avalanche, regained the ability to walk and rebuilt his life. Now, his toughest challenge: Should he return to the backcountry that almost took his life or settle down for family life?
"We are all going to make mistakes. It's truly learning from them that makes life really sweet," says skier, climber and parent Roger Strong. On April 6th, 2011, the veteran backcountry skier was skinning up his favorite backcountry run when he triggered an avalanche that swept him and two friends hundreds of feet through steep trees. When the snow settled, he was badly injured, but alive along with his friends. In the months that followed, Strong, confined to a wheelchair, was left to sort through his decision-making. Had he failed as father and a husband? What would he take away from the experience? And if his body would allow, would he still want to ski?