Skier survives avalanche - and lands on his feet

A Swiss skier was swept 600 metres down a mountain by an avalanche but landed on his feet.

The 36-year-old from the canton of Schwyz suffered a few broken ribs but was otherwise unhurt.

Fellow skiers in the seven man group said they thought he was lost forever.

He fell down a 100-metre drop and was then swept along a further 500 metres by the avalanche which he had accidentally triggered by the fall.

He appeared out of the snow cloud at the bottom complaining that his ribs hurt.

He was taken by helicopter to a nearby hospital for checks before being released.