A B.C. Snowboarder’s video is going viral as it gives a terrifying first-hand view of being washed away by an avalanche.

The Australian snowboarder was enjoying a morning ride at Whistler when the mountain gave way – his GoPro caught the whole thing.

Tom Oye posted the video on Facebook to share the footage, but also point out the importance of the inflatable avalanche air-bag backpack that saved his life.

“Not how I planned on starting the morning…stay safe out there kids!” wrote Oye.

The life-saving backpack was just given to him at Christmas by friends.

In the video below you can hear the backpack inflating as it keeps him above the snow.

The Facebook video already has 21,000 shares.

**Warning explicit language**