Skier Survives Night on Ski Slope After Falling Into Hole

RICHLAND (AP) — A Kennewick man survived a night on a ski slope in southwestern Washington after he fell into a 5-foot hole.

The Tri-City Herald reports Abe Cortina was snowboarding Saturday at Ski Bluewood when he got separated from friends.

Cortina spent 17 hours outside as people searched for him until after 1 a.m. when the search was suspended because of temperatures below freezing.

Cortina later told search crews he fell in a hole, climbed out and walked 4 miles, which took him outside ski resort boundaries. He built a shelter from tree boughs in a thicket of trees.

He was discovered by a snowmobiler Sunday and taken to the ski patrol headquarters to be examined.

He then rode his snowboard down the hill to meet family and friends.