Anthony Seibert, the 24 year old grandson of Vail founder Pete Seibert, has been killed in an avalanche in a back country area close to the famous Colorado resort.
Reports indicate that Mr Seibert was skiing in a closed off-piste area yesterday, accessed by a gate and known as the East Vail Chutes. Three others skiing with Mr Seibert were injured and taken to hospital but have since been released.
Reports said further that there had been a number of snow slides in the area in recent weeks due to snow conditions and the avalanche risk is rated as 'considerable.'
Pete Seibert, who died in 2002, is credited with finding Vail's location in partnership with rancher Earl Eaton in the late 1950s and helping to establish the resort which is now in its 51st season.