We regretfully report that the first ski resort death in Colorado happened over the weekend at Monarch Ski Resort. West World reports 23-year-old U.S. Armed Forces member from Ohio, Collin Zak, died Saturday after colliding with a tree on the black diamond run Mirage off of Monarch’s Panorama lift.
Monarch Ski Patrol received a call about an unresponsive male who had collided with a tree at 11:50 a.m. Chaffee County EMS and sheriff’s office reps also rushed to the scene. When they arrived ski patrol members were performing CPR on Zak, who had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Unfortunately, the were unable to resuscitate and was pronounced dead at the scene.
This is the official press release from Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office:
“December 2, 2017: On this date at 11:50 am the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call from Monarch Ski Patrol of an unresponsive male that possibly collided with a tree. Chaffee County EMS and the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Monarch Ski Area. Responders contacted Monarch Ski Patrol members who were performing CPR on the male victim, however after continuing this for some time the male was pronounced dead at the scene. The Chaffee County Coroner responded and took possession of the victim.
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the accident and located witnesses who stated that the victim was snowboarding and collided with a tree. The victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Collin’s friends and family. Skiing and snowboarding are inherently dangerous sports. Please wear all available safety equipment and ski to your ability. 
images from West World