Industry News
The search for Connor Gill, a 26-year-old snowboarder from Denver who went missing at Vail Mountain on February 14, 2025, is entering its third week. Gill was last seen boarding the Avanti Express chairlift at 8:50 a.m. that Friday morning.
- Related: Skeletal Remains Found in Vail, CO Back Bowls Believed to Be Man Missing Since February 28th
Vail Ski Patrol and Vail Mountain Rescue teams have conducted extensive searches since Gill was reported missing. The search efforts have been hampered by significant snowfall, with Vail Mountain receiving over 52 inches (more than four feet) of fresh snow since Gill’s disappearance. Search teams have been probing both flat sections and steep, tree-lined areas, as the deep snow could obscure objects from view.
The Avanti Express Lift at Vail Mountain provides access to beginner, intermediate, and some advanced runs, including the Avanti Skills Zone and entry-level Avanti Park. It also serves as a connector to other areas of the mountain, including the Back Bowls.
The weather has been a major factor in the search:
- Heavy snowfall: Vail Mountain recorded the most fresh snow of any resort in Colorado over the Presidents’ Day weekend.
- Strong winds: Visibility issues have been reported throughout the search period.
- Ongoing winter weather: A winter storm watch remained in effect the following week.
Search teams have employed various methods to locate Gill:
- Probing alongside black diamond runs like Pickeroon and Berries.
- Using search dogs on Saturday and Sunday.
- Examining cell phone forensics to determine Gill’s last known location.
- Considering the use of drone technology, weather permitting.
Authorities are urging the public to assist in the search:
- Anyone at Vail Mountain on February 14 is encouraged to review their photos and videos for potential sightings of Gill.
- Gill was last seen wearing an orange ski suit with blue accents on the top, a grey helmet, and riding a Salomon snowboard.
The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information to contact the Vail Public Safety Communications Center at 970-479-2201.
