Caroline Kuo News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Provided by Vail Ski Patrol Vail local Johnny Kuo, an experienced backcountry skier who was a regular in the East Vail Chutes, felt he was in a safe zone when he was engulfed by snow in the Feb. 4 avalanche that took his life. released Friday, on the fatal slide. Kuo, 41, was with another skier when she triggered the avalanche in an area known as Marvin’s West or Big Marvin, according to the report. The pair had entered the popular sidecountry area from Vail Mountain through a backcountry access gate around 10:15 a.m. They then hiked for about 30 minutes to an area locally known as Benchmar...

Johnny Kuo in August of 2012. Damien Andrews photo. VAIL — When Johnny Kuo passed you in his ski boots on the staircase to East Vail, you rarely heard him coming. The longtime Vail local’s death on Feb. 4 reminded East Vail skiers that even the most talented athletes are taking their chances every time they visit the popular, but deadly sidecounty area. A fast, silent, light-on-his-feet skier, Kuo dressed in all black and earned the nickname “The Ninja” for his style. He earned the respect of some of the best skiers in the region and will be remembered for his uniqueness in Vail.