Backcountry skier dies in avalanche at the East Vail Chutes
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
and last updated 2021-02-04 19:05:28-05
EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. â A backcountry skier died after being caught in and avalanche at the East Vail Chutes, according to the Eagle County Sheriff's Office.
The avalanche happened around 12 p.m. Thursday in the backcountry outside of Vail Mountain's boundaries. The backcountry avalanche forecast for Eagle County is rated as considerable, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). There are currently multiple Avalanche Watches and Warnings.
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According to the preliminary CAIC report, the skier exited the Vail Ski Area through a backcountry access gate. The avalanche occurred while the skier was in an area known as Marvin's on an east-facing slope below treeline. Rescuers estimated the avalanche as 700 feet wide, and it ran 1,000 vertical feet.