Burnt Mountain East - Aspen - Photo: RealAspen.com
Yesterday, Wednesday Jan. 18th, an avalanche claimed the life of an Aspen local in the Burnt Mountain East sidecountry area of Snowmass Ski Resort. The avalanche occured around 1:45pm, below treeline on a NE aspect and ran about 25 yards into a gully. The victim, 43 year old Keith Ames was a longtime local and bartender in the Aspen area. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the family and friends of Keith.
According to AspenDailyNews.com, “Ames dropped in from a ridge above, knocking loose a section of snow. When Ames came to rest at the bottom of the 25-yard-long section, the snow caught up to him and buried him. Bystanders on scene had to dig Ames out from the under the snow, which took approximately 10 minutes, while others on scene contacted 911. Snowmass Ski Patrol arrived on scene at 2:18 p.m. while CPR was being administered to Ames by the bystanders. At approximately 02:50 p.m., Ames was pronounced dead.”
Please stay safe out there and make smart decisions when heading into the backcountry. For more info on the incident and Colorado avalanche information, go to CAIC.com.
Shitty News. RIP
Keith was my brother, and this was a devastating shock to my family and all of his friends, but we all tend to agree it is one helluva beautiful place and he was doing what he loved. We used to joke about spending our afterlife skiing Purgatory, I hope you made it there, bro. xo
Sandra, I was an old friend of Keiths, I am so very sorry for your loss. Last time I saw Keith was at Lisa O’s wedding in Aspen almost 20 years ago, Keith was a great guy. May I ask, will there be a funeral or memorial that friends might be able to attend?
Sandy, sorry for your loss! I know it must be so hard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RIP Keith. You were a great guy and neighbor, your smile and positive attitude are already deeply missed.
Sandra, I was an old friend of Keiths, I am so very sorry for your loss. Last time I saw Keith was at Lisa O’s wedding in Aspen almost 20 years ago, Keith was a great guy. May I ask, will there be a funeral or memorial that friends might be able to attend?
wow, awesome article post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
I remember him welll He always had a smile on his face and a compliment for everyone. He will be sadly missed by myself and my family, Todd Potvin and my Dad Pancho Potvin. I am sad that I could not make the funeral but I am living in vegas and cannot get away. Please to the family know that my heart is with you and my prayers for your future. We have truly lost too many good people to the weather and the other issues in Aspen, Hopefully this will serve as a lesson to all of those out there that NO MATTER how experianced you are on the slopes Mother Nature Rules and derserves respect. All my love and sympathy to you and all who loved him. Sincerly Laura Potvin