A skier exploring the backcountry near Breckenridge Ski Resort was caught in an avalanche on Saturday, marking the sixth reported slide by Colorado recreationists this month.
The skier, part of a group of four, departed from the resort at the Peak 6 backcountry access point just before noon, as reported by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
The group’s plan was to ski the K Chute of the Sky Chutes, known for their steep avalanche paths on the west side of the Tenmile Range.
Upon triggering the avalanche, the skier was carried down the path for approximately 1,100 feet, losing his skis in the process, according to an accident report from the CAIC.
Managing to escape the moving debris field as the avalanche slowed, the injured skier was assisted off the mountain by fellow skiers. One even skied down, retrieved an extra pair of skis, and hiked back up to help the injured skier descend.
The skier received treatment for undisclosed injuries at St. Anthony Summit Hospital in Frisco.
Later that day, two other groups discovered the avalanche and alerted authorities after coming across the skier’s abandoned skis while descending.
So far this month, six individuals have been caught in avalanches in Colorado, including two climbers at St. Mary’s Glacier, although no injuries were reported, according to the avalanche center.
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