Johan Friso
Members of the Dutch royal family pose during a photocall in the Austrian alpine ski resort of Lech am Arlberg February 19, 2011. The members of the royal family are (L-R rear) Prince Constantijn, Princess Laurentien, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Princess Maxima, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Mabel Wisse Smit, Prince Johan Friso, Princess Leonore (L-R front), Princess Eloise,Prince Claus-Casimir,Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia, Princess Ariane and Countess Luana and Zaria. REUTERS/Miro Kuzmanovic

Dutch Prince Johan Friso was in critical but stable condition Friday after being buried alive by an avalanche in the Austrian town of Lech.

Officials said the 43-year-old prince was buried under the snow for about 15 minutes before he was rescued by emergency teams. He was resuscitated at the scene and then taken to a hospital in Innsbruck, according to Austrian media.

Friso is in the intensive care unit and doctors treating him describe the prince's condition as stable, but his life remains at risk, according to a statement.

The second son of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Prince Johan and several members of the royal family were on holiday together in Lech, in the western province of Vorarlberg.

The prince had been skiing with a small group when the avalanche hit, but no one else was affected, the Austrian Press Agency reported.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte confirmed that the queen had not been involved in the incident.

During Europe's recent cold snap, the resort town was hit with heavy snowfall.

The mountain village of Lech is a popular winter getaway in Austria. The exclusive ski resort lies on the banks of the river Lech and is known for its world-class terrain, high end restaurants, and premier hotels. The town has long been a popular holiday destination for royals, including Queen Beatrix and family.