This terrifying footage shows how a ledge of snow gave way on a mountainside, sending a skier tumbling into the void.

Miraculously, the man – who was not named in reports – survived the snowslide on Mount Verkhne-Ivanovskaya near Priiskovoe, Khakassia, Russia.

It is not clear when the incident took place, but the video first emerged online on 22nd November.

It shows how he skis to the edge of the mountain but suddenly disappears from view as the ledge of snow collapses underneath him without warning.

His companions ski over to the edge, but their friend is nowhere to be seen beneath the sheer, vertical drop.

Local media reported that the man was injured but survived. The nature of his injuries was not specified.

Avalanches are reportedly common in the area, and visitors have been warned by authorities in Khakassia of the danger of practising snow sports there.

It is not clear what altitude the skiers were at when the snowslip happened, but mountains surrounding Priiskovoe are said to reach up to 4,600 feet in height.

The video of the accident was posted to the Russian social network VKontakte, where it has been doing the rounds.