On February 4, a skier was caught and killed in an avalanche in the backcountry of East Vail known as “The Chutes.” The skier left the Vail Ski Area through a backcountry gate. The skier was in an area known as Marvin’s when the avalanche occurred.
Looking across the slope of the avalanche, known as Marvin’s from an elevation of 11,816′ . The skier was buried near the toe of the avalanche in the area circled in black. Image courtesy of the Vail Ski Patrol.
Companions and other riders in the area found the skier and performed resuscitation efforts but were unsuccessful. The avalanche occurred on the east-facing slope below treeline.
Rescuers estimate that the avalanche was 700 feet wide and ran 1000 vertical feet. This is an ongoing story and The Colorado Avalanche Information Center will publish more information as it becomes available.
This brings the total number of people caught in avalanches this season to 10. Eight people have been buried and eight have been killed, including three Eagle County back country skiers killed near Silverton earlier this week.
Most of Colorado is under high or considerable risk of avalanche and travel into avalanche terrain is not recommended. Current avalanche warnings have been extended to at least February 6. Click here to learn more.
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