The only rider Spanish snowboarder on the international circuit was hit by a snowstorm when she was preparing to compete in Verbier, Switzerland
In a blink of an eye, Núria Castán was overwhelmed by snow. The only rider Spanish snowboarder was heading to the start of the third test of the year this Tuesday when, together with a companion, they were surprised by a 250-meter-long avalanche. He buried them at great speed and Castán was left face down the more than ten minutes it took for medical assistance to arrive. “It is difficult to believe everything that happened,” says Castán after being treated by the doctors. They could be located and rescued in time, but while her injuries are not serious – a blow to the elbow, muscle pain and two frozen fingers after losing her gloves in the accident – the other ‘rider’ He has suffered the fracture of three vertebrae.
The first turn of the competition was for the female category. The ‘riders’ who participated in the third test of the season in the Swiss town of Verbier headed for the start following the usual protocol. When the avalanche surprised them, three of them saw how the snow overwhelmed Núria Castán and another rival, who prefers to remain anonymous. In fact, thanks to the efficient and fast reaction of his rivals, The two affected were able to get out of the accident alive. “I am very ‘lucky’ to be able to say that I have survived an avalanche of 250 meters in length and those intense 10 minutes buried face down. Thanks to the security team and, above all, to the ‘riders’ who were around who acted quickly and very effectively who they were able to rescue me in time“, thanks Castán, who is still in ‘shock’ assimilating what happened and recovering from the bruises.
“This unpleasant experience has always been one of my biggest fears, and it has finally come true. I don’t wish it on anyone and I hope it doesn’t happen again. It’s time to process everything and appreciate this lucky to have a second life. To be born again”, Castán comments that he is going to take a few weeks off to recover after the accident, taking advantage of the fact that this was the last test of the competition.
Zero risk in the mountains is impossible. Many factors condition the practice of sport in it and most are totally unpredictable. Now, after having survived an avalanche, Castán highlights the need to have a minimum knowledge of rescue and the environment. “Going well equipped and learning about the weather and snow conditions is crucial, as is knowing how to act in a rescue situation. But the most important thing to practice this sport is to be accompanied by people to whom you can trust your life , that you know that they will do everything possible to rescue you, and become one of those people for your companions yourself,” he says.
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After the accident, the competition was suspended and rescheduled to take place this Wednesday in Nendaz, Switzerland. Despite the fact that the test has been able to be carried out without any setback, Núria has decided not to compete. “She is in ‘shock’ and she is not in a condition for it,” they say from the athlete’s environment. Thus, Castán says goodbye to the spectacular season what he was doing after winning the most difficult tests on the circuit.
Now is the time to stop, rest and process everything that has happened and try not be afraid of the sport that you love so much. Castán is determined to regain her confidence to come back stronger next year and try again.