Surviving an Avalanche 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 short time (15-35 minutes before your oxygen runs out. Take off your ski. boots a swimming motion to claw your way to the and poles. Use which way is up or surface. Often people do not know down. The effect of this is disorientation. It is not uncommon for avalanche victims to dig in the wrong direction. With proper precautions, both skiers and ski resorts can avoid the tragedy of an avalanche.