The body of a backcountry skier who died in an avalanche was recovered Friday and taken off Red Peak in a seven-hour operation that included use of a helicopter and a six-member team on skis.
The Summit County Rescue Group completed the recovery with the aid of a Flight for Life helicopter, according to an announcement Friday.
The avalanche happened Wednesday in a couloir known as Oh What Big Eyes You Have, according to the rescue group.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was in a party of three that climbed Red Peak, a 13,000-foot summit about 5 miles west of Silverthorne. The avalanche struck as the three were descending.
Friday’s recovery was described as a two-pronged operation using the helicopter with two team members and a rescue dog. A ground team of six members went in on skis. Two members of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, one in the helicopter and one skier, were at the scene to “conduct an accident investigation.”
Wintry weather and adverse avalanche conditions delayed the recovery.
The Friday operation, under good weather conditions, started about 7 a.m. and finished about 2 p.m., according to a news release.
The sheriff’s office took part in the mission. Authorities expressed “sincere condolences” to the family and friends of the victim.
