Backcountry Skier Killed In Avalanche in Southwestern Colorado

A backcountry skier was killed Tuesday after being caught in an avalanche on a northwest-facing slope near Red Mountain Pass in southwestern Colorado. The slide happened around 11,300 feet in an area known locally as Bollywood. This the first reported avalanche fatality in Colorado this winter. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center will investigate the site today and provide more information when available. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.

Colorado Avalanche Information Center – CAIC Statement:

“On January 7, a backcountry skier was caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3, east of Red Mountain Pass, in an area locally known as Bollywood. The avalanche occurred on a northwest-facing slope around 11,300 feet in the San Juan Mountains. You can read the preliminary accident report here. We will visit the site tomorrow and update that report as we collect more information. We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased skier’s family, friends, and community.”