Adelaide snowboarder causes avalanche in Canada, survives because of backpack

A snowboarder from Adelaide has survived an incredible slide down a mountain in Canada – with his life saved because of an early birthday present.

Tom Oye posted a video of the moment his snowboard caused the snow to crack underfoot, sending him spinning metres down the hillside in Whistler.

The 29-year-old activated his new inflatable avalanche backpack mere moments after the descent began, with the entire ordeal caught on camera.

At one stage it appears Mr Oye was submerged under snow as he slide, dodging pine trees and rocks.

As he came to a stop after the rapid descent he reassured those who came to help he was okay.

“Yeah I’m fine,” Mr Oye can be heard saying in the video.

“That was a little scary.”

Mr Oye’s grandmother, Marlene Oye, told the ABC his family and friends all pooled their money to buy him the backpack.

“The gods smiled down upon him,” Ms Oye told the broadcaster.

“I knew when I watched (the footage) that he was all right, so that wasn’t quite so bad.

“Having seen him come off motorbikes and that sort of thing, you know, you’re a bit prepared I guess. But it was a bit scary.”

Mr Oye has lived in Whistler for three years and according to his grandmother has always been a daredevil.