OPHIR, Colo. — Two brothers survived two massive avalanches while skiing in Colorado’s backcountry even as each feared the other was dead.

Alex and Brian Holmes were skiing near Telluride on Wednesday. When Brian Holmes, 26, started to descend, he triggered an avalanche, KUSA-TV reported Thursday.

When Alex Holmes, 27, tried to ski down, he triggered a second slide.

Brian Holmes dug himself out of the snow and searched for an hour for his brother, who meanwhile had contacted search and rescue personnel.

Telluride Ski Patrollers with a trained avalanche dog found both.

The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office says Brian was injured but is expected to survive.

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