A man and his adult son exited Breckenridge Ski Resort through a backcountry access gate at about 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. They entered a popular area known as The Numbers to ski south-to-southeast facing terrain that sits at around 11,600'.
Details are scarce as to exactly how it happened, but both men were caught in a slide shortly thereafter. The older of the two men was partially buried.
After digging himself out, he was unable to locate his son. After making his way to a spot where he found cell service, the man called 9-1-1.
Multiple agencies responded, and within about an hour and a half, an avy rescue dog found the younger man’s body, fully buried.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center sent a team to investigate the slide on Sunday. Their full report won’t be available until later this week.
In the meantime, conditions remain dangerous throughout Colorado: an avalanche warning is in effect from the Grand Mesa to the Elk Mountains through Monday evening. The Flat Tops and San Juans are also under warnings. Backcountry travel is not recommended. Avalanche.state.co.us has more information.
