If you are ever caught in an avalanche, the chances are slim that you will survive. If you are not killed instantly, you only have a shot time (15-35 minutes) before your oxygen runs out. Take off you ski, books and poles. Use a swimming motion to claw your way to the surface. Of the people do not know which way is up or down. The effect of this is disorientation. If is not uncommon for avalanche victim to dig in the wrong direction. With proper precautions, both skiers and ski resorts can avoid the tragedy of an avalanche.