An off-duty member of Mountain Rescue Aspen was killed by an avalanche on Sunday in the backcountry just beyond the Aspen Highlands boundary reports the Aspen Times.
The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was accompanied by another skier at the time of the slide. The two skiers were approaching a backcountry area known in the area as “Maroon Bowl” when the slab released.
“It appears that the skier caught in the slide hit a tree. Unfortunately, despite resuscitation efforts, the skier caught in the slide did not survive.” – Kent Taylor, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Department
Careening downhill in the avalanche, both skiers rode it out through trees and other debris. Aspen Highlands ski patrol responded quickly after seeing the tail end of the avalanche from the resort boundary. The other skier eventually skied out of the area with minor injuries after reaching the victim.
Highlands closing day ends on a solemn note as a member of Mountain Rescue Aspen dies in Maroon Bowl avalanche.
Slide was triggered in the area marked "2" on photo.https://t.co/o0hCyPtpdo pic.twitter.com/CZaVerothH— Aspen Times (@TheAspenTimes) April 9, 2018
It’s suspected that the skier who survived ultimately confirmed the death of the Mountain Rescue Aspen team member. A recovery effort is expected to continue today as avalanche danger permits.
Accident Summary [CAIC]
PRELIMINARY: Two skiers exited Aspen Highlands Ski Resort through a backcountry access gate. They were using climbing skins to ascend through an area known as “Maroon Bowl.” Both skiers were caught in an avalanche. One was killed.
Find the entire Aspen Times article here:Â Backcountry skier dies in avalanche in Maroon Bowl outside of Aspen Highlands
