An avalanche near Colorado's Berthoud Pass has claimed the life of a skier on Saturday, according to the Grand County Sheriff's Office. The incident, which occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. in the "Fingers Area" just near Winter Park, adds a somber tone to the season's backcountry activities, CBS News Colorado reported.
The identity of the victim has not been released, and details surrounding the event remain sparse. What is known thus far is that this tragic event marks yet another reminder of the inherent risks associated with snow sports in areas prone to such natural disasters, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center described the Fingers as "a set of steep, rocky, northwest-facing avalanche paths" that are easily accessed from the parking area at the summit, as per 9NEWS.
On the same day, a separate event unfolded on Gravel Mountain near Grand Lake, another popular destination for snowmobilers. The Colorado Sun detailed that at around 2:25 p.m., "numerous people were climbing and jumping off the cornices of Gravel Mountain" when an avalanche was set off, subsequently ensnaring four snowmobilers. Thankfully, all were rescued without injury, as reported by The Colorado Sun.
