Local death results from fall in Terminator Chute

For safety, recovery took place the following morning

Local Crested Butte native Zane Mason, age 33, died on Monday, March 16 as the result of a fall while snow skating. According to a press release from the Mt. Crested Butte Police Department, Mason had been riding outside the boundary of Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) on the west side of the Butte.

Earlier that afternoon, according to information provided by CBMR, a male had been seen leaving the peak of Crested Butte Mountain by passing underneath the rope lines marking the edge of resort property.
According to Mt. Crested Butte Police, a paraglider in the air spotted Mason’s body at the base of a 250-foot cliff at the bottom of a rocky chute—in an area known locally as the Terminator Chutes—and authorities were notified at 3:05 p.m. The resort dispatched what is known as a Hasty Team of three ski patrollers to the area within 40 minutes. They confirmed the fatality and identified Mason using his CMBR ski pass.
“Crested Butte Search and Rescue was placed on a standby hold status while safety conditions of the target area and the access to it were assessed. It was determined that due to the significantly unstable conditions, unsupported snow and falling rock debris, the impending loss of daylight, and to ensure the safety of all involved rescue personnel, that the recovery of Mason’s body would take place at first light the following morning,” the Mt. Crested Butte police statement read.
At about 6 o’clock the next morning, Crested Butte Search and Rescue teams assembled and completed the recovery. They transported Mason’s body to the McCormick Ranch area of Crested Butte by 9 a.m. and all rescue personnel were out of the field a little over an hour and a half later.
“It is with great sadness to hear of a life lost, whether it happens within our boundaries or outside of them,” said resort spokeswoman Erica Mueller. “Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and friends, wishing them a lot of strength during this difficult time.”
County Coroner Frank Vader, who assumed possession of Mason’s body on Tuesday, March 17, said there will be no autopsy. The incident is now being investigated  by the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office.