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.