This Is Why You Never Trust Another Skier's Tracks

"If it seems too good to be true," the old saying goes, "it probably is."

As this poor skier can attest, apparently that goes double for fresh powder just waiting to be tracked up.

Making the most of what looks like a solid powder day at Telluride Ski Resort in Telluride, Colo., the skier in question starts his helmet camera at the top of a scarcely tracked run. He glances briefly at the surrounding scenery above, and then drops in.

The first 40 seconds of the video appear to be pure bliss, featuring only the skier, a couple of lazy turns and a foot of nearly untracked powder. Our protagonist follows a set of tracks in the snow, winding down the top of the slope through a small glade of trees -- and immediately off a cliff.

Just before he falls, the skier realizes his predicament, screaming "WHOAAAAA!" as he tumbles over the edge.

"This guest ended up with a minor shoulder injury. He was in good spirits and was happy to share his video," Telluride Ski Patrol notes on Facebook.

The "take home message," writes Telluride Ski Patrol, is "know before you go."

In other words, ski with extra caution unless you know what you're getting into. That, and if you "french fry" when you mean to "pizza," you're going to have a bad time.