Snowboarder who fell off cliff identified

The snowboarder who fell from a 75-foot cliff at Squaw Valley USA Sunday has been identified and his condition has improved.

Nick Steenolsen, 33, of Santa Monica, fell shortly before 9:30 a.m. while snowboarding in an extreme area known as the Powderhorn.

"He was obviously alone," Squaw's Brent McLean said. "He was obviously an experienced rider and knew Squaw really well. You don't go into that area without knowing what you are doing."

Steenolsen was not carrying identification and authorities did not identify him until late Monday afternoon.

Witnesses saw him fall over a cliff band and alerted the ski patrol, which arrived immediately after the accident. Severe weather prevented a Care Flight helicopter from landing at the ski area or at any other nearby location. Steenolsen was instead taken to Reno in a Truckee Fire Department ambulance.

He is currently listed in serious but stable condition, according to John Wheeler of Washoe Medical Center.