DENVER—The U.S. Forest Service has determined that Vail Mountain was following procedures and permit requirements when a 13-year-old boy died in an avalanche while skiing at the resort.
Taft Conlin and two of his friends were caught in an avalanche in the Prima Cornice area Jan. 22.
The Denver Post ( ) reports that although the area’s upper gate indicated the run was closed, the lower gate—through which the Eagle boy and his friends entered—was open. From there, the three hiked up the side of the run and were caught in the avalanche while skiing down.
Scott Fitzwilliams with the White River National Forest says the investigation was only meant to determine if the resort was following its Forest Service permit.
Conlin’s mother, Louise Ingalls, says she is “confounded and saddened” by the report.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
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