All articles tagged with #backcountry skiing
A 21-year-old man, identified as Dallas LeBeau, died while attempting a high-risk skiing stunt to clear the width of Highway 40 near the Berthoud Pass Summit. Despite wearing protective gear, he lacked the necessary speed and distance, landing on the highway pavement. The accident impacted traffic in both directions, and the Grand County Sheriff emphasized the inherent risks of backcountry skiing in Colorado.
Nick Burks, a 37-year-old avalanche forecaster and experienced backcountry skier, was killed in an avalanche while skiing in the Elkhorn Mountains in northeastern Oregon. The accident highlighted the dangers of backcountry skiing, emphasizing the stark contrast between resort skiing and backcountry skiing in terms of avalanche risk.
Nick Burks, an experienced avalanche forecaster, died in an avalanche he triggered while skiing in eastern Oregon. His friend, who was skiing with him, was able to locate him quickly using a transceiver, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Burks had been part of the professional avalanche community for years and worked as an avalanche forecaster for the Wallowa Avalanche Center. The job of avalanche forecasters has become more difficult due to climate change and the increasing number of backcountry visitors. This incident adds to the 11 avalanche-related deaths in the U.S. this year.
A University of Vermont junior, Madison Saltsburg, died in a backcountry skiing accident on Mount Washington, New Hampshire. She fell about 600 vertical feet in steep and icy terrain, while two others sustained injuries. Mount Washington is known for its fickle weather and frequent rescues. Another hiker was also rescued after going off trail and becoming hypothermic.
A 20-year-old backcountry skier died and two others were seriously injured in icy conditions at Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The steep bowl, known for its challenging terrain, proved deadly as temperatures dropped and skiers encountered hard and icy surfaces. Search efforts continued into the night, with rescuers battling worsening conditions. Mount Washington, notorious for fickle weather, has seen frequent rescues, including a recent incident involving a hiker who became hypothermic after going off trail.
A backcountry skier tragically died after falling 600 feet down Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, amid hard and icy conditions. The U.S. Forest Service reported that the steep bowl, known for its challenging terrain, had dangerous conditions due to firm and icy surfaces. Several accidents occurred, with one skier suffering fatal injuries and others sustaining non-life-threatening trauma. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with snow sports, as industry experts advise awareness of changing weather and snow conditions.
A 20-year-old backcountry skier died after falling 600 feet down a ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, while two others were rescued from the area amid icy and stormy conditions. The incident occurred during a winter storm warning, with the National Weather Service predicting up to 1 foot of wet, heavy snow and strong winds. The U.S. Forest Service highlighted the ever-changing mountain hazards in the area, including avalanches, open crevasse holes, icy steep slopes, and falling rocks and ice.
Emergency crews are working to rescue three people at Tuckerman Ravine on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, with two already rescued and one still being assisted. The individuals involved may have serious injuries, and authorities are coordinating the rescue effort.
An avalanche near the Seward Highway in Alaska resulted in the death of a 28-year-old Anchorage resident and injuries to two others. The avalanche occurred while three backcountry skiers were skiing up the mountain, triggering the slide. Despite efforts to rescue the victim, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Authorities urge caution and preparedness for those venturing into the backcountry due to ongoing avalanche risks.
A skier named Dominic Torro triggered an avalanche while skiing on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The incident was captured on video, showing Torro losing control as a chunk of snow broke off and followed him down the slope. Torro suffered a severe lower leg injury and was rescued by the National Guard Helicopter crew. Mount Washington is known for its sporadic weather, and although it was not in a daily 5-scale avalanche hazard rating, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center warned that there is still danger. Avalanches on the mountain require rescue assistance for an average of 25 people per year.
Bluebird Backcountry, Colorado's liftless ski area, has announced its permanent closure due to a lack of fundraising support and the inability to sustain itself financially. Despite attracting over 19,000 visitors, the ski area struggled to find a capital partner and faced challenges being located far from its core customer base. Bluebird Backcountry, known for promoting backcountry learning and adventure, operated for three winters and aimed to provide a controlled safe environment for backcountry skiing. The closure highlights the difficulties faced by liftless ski areas in maintaining financial viability.
Bluebird Backcountry, a lift-free ski area in Colorado that introduced uphill skiing and backcountry safety to skiers, is permanently closing after four seasons. The resort, which saw increasing visits and sales, struggled due to its remote location and the lack of investment opportunities. Despite its closure, the founders believe the concept of a human-powered ski area has potential and hope that someone with passion and a more accessible location can carry on their vision.
A National Park Service employee, Eric Walter, was killed in an avalanche while backcountry skiing in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. The park staff received a report of a skier triggering an avalanche, and rangers dispatched to the area found Walter's skis and an orange bag in the debris field. Walter was identified as the lone skier who died in the avalanche. He was remembered as a much-loved member of the Alaska Regional Communications Center.
An avalanche struck the French Alps near Mont Blanc, killing at least four people and injuring several others. The victims were backcountry skiing and their identities are being confirmed. Emergency workers are still conducting rescue operations. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. The avalanche spread across an area of 1 kilometer by 500 meters, at an altitude of 3,500 meters.
Four people have died and nine others have been injured in an extensive avalanche that occurred in the middle of the day on the Armancette glacier in the French Alps. The victims were backcountry skiing in the mountains, and the causes of the avalanche are being investigated. Rescue services are continuing to search for further casualties.