Backcountry Skiers Killed in Colorado Avalanche

27th February 2023

Last modified on July 19th, 2023

Two people who were touring in the backcountry near Vallecito Reservoir were reported overdue from their trip on Saturday 25th February.

Just before midnight, a Flight For Life helicopter saw an avalanche southeast of the reservoir with tracks entering the avalanche and none exiting.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Centre says a search and rescue team found both skiers buried about four feet (1.2 metres) deep in avalanche debris.

Avalanche that killed 2 skiers in Colorado. Image c/o Colorado Avalanche Information Center

In a separate incident on the same day, a snowmobiler was reported missing and trapped in an avalanche close to the Red Lakes trailhead, near La Manga Pass in Colorado.

Avalanche dog teams from the Wolf Creek Ski Area joined the search on Sunday, along with forecasters from the Colorado Avalanche Information Centre and members of the local community.

The snowmobiler had not been found by Sunday evening.

Heavy snowfall last week raised the avalanche risk in Colorado.