Missing Minnesota Skiers: Avalanche Claims Three Lives in Alaska
GIRDWOOD, Alaska (FOX 9) – Reports confirm that three skiers from Minnesota are presumed dead following an avalanche that occurred south of Anchorage, Alaska.
Incident Overview
Authorities report that the three skiers, part of a heliskiing group, were in a remote mountain range near Girdwood when they were caught in the avalanche on Tuesday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. AKST.
The avalanche risk for the Turnagain Pass, which encompasses the affected area, was categorized as “considerable” at the time of the incident.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Initial Attempts
Guides accompanying the skiers made immediate attempts to rescue their group, but were unable to reach them. They utilized avalanche beacons to narrow down the location where the skiers might be buried.
Challenges Faced
Due to the elevated avalanche risk, official search efforts could not start until Wednesday morning. Unfortunately, these efforts were briefly suspended that evening due to unsafe conditions.
Current Status
As search efforts continue, authorities plan to conduct aerial assessments of the avalanche site to gauge further risks and potential recovery options.
About Heliskiing
Heliskiing involves transporting skiers to the summit of a mountain using a helicopter, allowing them to ski down untraveled terrain. This extreme sport, while thrilling, comes with inherent risks, particularly in avalanche-prone regions.
