Skier Dies After Accident At Alpental Ski Area

SNOQUALMIE PASS, WA - A skier died Sunday on the slopes at the Alpental ski area after falling into a tree well, the King County Sheriff's Office is saying.

The accident happened around 2 p.m. while the man was skiing with a companion. The companion saw the man fall into the tree well, and called for help. Passersby administered CPR and Alpental's ski patrol also arrived to provide aid, but the man remained unresponsive.

Authorities are not releasing the victim's name pending notification of his family.

A tree well is an area around the base of a tree where loose snow can collapse and trap a skier. This type of hazard is usually found off-trail in glades or other ungroomed areas. The most common hazard associated with tree wells is suffocation. You can read more about how to avoid these hazards from the National Ski Area Association.

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