"It’s my understanding that no one was hurt, but the noise was incredible, as was the smell of gas."
Gov. Gavin Newsom last week declared a state of emergency across 13 counties.
The young man – who hasn't been named – was skiing in the Lidairdes region of Switzerland when an avalanche hit.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for 13 counties as more than 51,000 have been left without power.
"People are pretty disappointed with the situation. They would have liked a season with normal holidays."
The higher slopes will still be able to offer skiing in 2100 but it will come at a cost, researchers say.
"We woke up to snow and you could see he was really excited and happy to be playing in the snow - like a baby!"
"The first thing he did was put his hands in the snow and started jumping around."
"I felt like a baby for the first time ever seeing the snow. I honestly wanted to cry because I was so emotional."
Over 70% of Americans polled hope to see snow during the holiday season.