But by keeping Max in almost an induced hypothermia-like state, he appears to have come out of the near-death incident with no brain damage.

"As soon as he got to Primary's, every single thing they did was right," Samantha Zilvitis said.

The only time things didn't happen as doctors predicted was a 90-minute period on Monday when Max's heart rate and pulse continued to drop. It was the scariest part of the entire ordeal, his parents said.

But doctors were able to correct the situation, and not long after, Max regained consciousness.

"No father should have to go through what he did," Samantha Zilvitis said of her husband's frightening experience.

Wednesday Max was allowed to leave the hospital. When he arrived at his home outside Park City, where The Canyons can practically be seen from his back yard, his friends had decorated the house with streamers, balloons and posters welcoming him home.

"It's going very well," Max said Thursday.

Even Max's younger sister said she was happy to see him.

"I'm really glad that he's back. It's really boring to not have someone to bug me," Abby Zilvitis said jokingly.

Max and his father still have some flexibility problems with their hands, and Max is being treated as if he had suffered a concussion, his parents said. He is not allowed to go outside for awhile or participate in any extracurricular activity. But he is expected to make a full recovery.

While the Zilvitis family was happy to be reunited, their hearts also go out to the family of Jesse Williams, who was killed in the same avalanche. Max did not learn of Williams' death until Thursday.

The incident has not discouraged Max, who has been skiing since he was 3, from getting back on the slopes. He said once he is given the green light he plans on going skiing again.

The Zilvitis family said they hoped to arrange a meeting Sunday with the ski patrol members who rescued Max to thank them in person.

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com