Skier Dies After Attempting to Jump over US 40

Yesterday, a 21-year-old skier died in an apparent attempt to jump US 40 (the highway between I-70 near Idaho Springs and Winter Park).

The accident occurred just "west" of the Berthod Pass summit, according to a social post by the Grand Country Sheriff's office.

"The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attempting to perform a high-risk skiing stunt by trying to clear the width of Highway 40 and unfortunately lacked the necessary speed and distance and subsequently landed on the highway pavement," said the post. "The victim had been wearing a helmet and other protective gear."

Highway 40, which has been improved several times in the past few years, meanders through steep hills and varied and dramatic terrain.

In many places, the road is just two lanes wide. However, the terms east and west in terms of Berthod Pass are misleading because the road runs north and south as it crests Berthod Pass.

According to the Sheriff's Office, a bystander who was on the scene initiated CPR.

Emergency medical responders arrived and soon after the skier was pronounced deceased.

"The Grand County Coroner’s Office has assumed primary jurisdiction for this incident and will release the victim’s identity and cause and manner of death when appropriate," according to the Sheriff's post.