A skier suffered serious injuries after a 1,000-foot fall on a Colorado mountain during the weekend. Authorities faced communication challenges as multiple 911 calls kept dropping due to poor signal.

The 29-year-old was exploring South Arapaho Peak, about 50 miles northwest of Denver, when he attempted to ski down Skywalker Couloir, per the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.

He slipped and plummeted roughly 1,000 feet before coming to a stop on a neighboring slope, deputies reported.

Communication issues arose because of weak cell reception, causing delays and confusion among first responders. Witnesses’ calls were lost, leading officials to initially believe there were two separate emergencies until a hiker reached the summit and provided the skier’s precise location.

The skier was airlifted with critical injuries, as stated by authorities.

Officials emphasized that limited cell coverage in remote regions highlights the necessity of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon during backcountry activities.

An update on the skier’s condition has not been released. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has not responded to inquiries at this time.