Few details were immediately available but a sheriff's office spokesperson said the avalanche was triggered around 4:45 p.m. in the "Fingers Area" on Berthoud Pass near Winter Park.

In a separate incident, four people caught in another avalanche escaped serious injury, Colorado officials say.

The victim was traveling on a terrain feature known as The Nose near Silverton, Colo., when the avalanche occurred on Thursday, officials said.