Young man from Córdoba survives 11 hours buried in snow after avalanche in Bariloche.

In a story that seems straight out of a movie, Augusto Gruttadauria, a 29-year-old from Córdoba, has managed to survive a near-death experience after being buried under snow for 11 hours due to an avalanche on Cerro López in Bariloche, Argentina. His ingenuity and resilient spirit were key in facing a situation that many would consider desperate. Gruttadauria, known for his passion for extreme sports, was enjoying a day of skiing when the avalanche caught him by surprise. The news of his disappearance sparked an intense mobilization in the area, activating rescue teams that, due to difficult weather conditions, were forced to suspend their search. However, in an unexpected turn, Gruttadauria managed to communicate with the authorities at 3 AM, a call that would mark the beginning of his salvation. The young man used his mobile phone to alert rescuers of his location. "What you least expect is to get a call for something like this," said Martín Raffo, a doctor and member of the Rescue Commission who participated in the operation. This unexpected contact allowed the search operation to be immediately redirected, initiating a rescue plan that became critical to saving Gruttadauria's life. The rescuers faced a significant challenge. Augusto was located in an area that was difficult to access, over 700 meters from where the search efforts had initially concentrated. With a slope of 45 degrees, the mountain guides had to overcome not only the distance but also the risk of further avalanches. However, their dedication did not waver, and in just over an hour, they managed to reach him. During the hours he was trapped, Augusto ingeniously created an air pocket in the snow, which allowed him to breathe and conserve his strength. This action was vital, as without the possibility of oxygen, the outcome could have been tragic. Despite the extreme conditions, his clarity of mind and ability to act amid panic made the difference between life and death. The helicopter that ultimately rescued him became the key to a successful evacuation. Under adverse conditions, the rescue team improvised a helipad and managed to land. Raffo commented, "Luck was on our side at all times." This factor, along with the courage and determination of the rescue team, allowed them to take Gruttadauria to a safe place. Once at the Varadero of National Parks, the young man received urgent medical attention. Although he was in pain and showed signs of frostbite, he was conscious and alert, which surprised the doctors attending to him. "His condition is stable," they indicated, while efforts focused on raising his body temperature and monitoring his recovery. The rescuers and medical personnel did not hide their astonishment at the situation. Augusto's story has become a testament to human resilience, a demonstration that even in the most adverse circumstances, ingenuity and the will to live can prevail. As he continues his recovery process, Gruttadauria has been transferred to the San Carlos sanatorium, where he will continue his treatment. His followers on social media, as well as the community at large, have expressed their relief and joy at his survival. This event serves not only as a reminder of the dangers of adventure sports but also of the human capacity to fight for life in critical moments. This survival story adds to a series of mountain rescue accounts that highlight the importance of preparation and knowledge of the environment. Gruttadauria has shown that, despite adversities, hope and determination can lead to a positive outcome—a true miracle in the snow.