South Lake Tahoe Skier Kyle Smaine Killed in Avalanche in Japan

RENO, Nev. (775 Times, NV Globe) – Kyle Smaine, a beloved professional skier from South Lake Tahoe, was killed in an avalanche in Japan on Sunday, according to several accounts.

According to Mountain Gazette, Smaine, 31, was murdered while on a marketing tour for Ikon Pass and Nagano Tourism.

According to a guy who was with Smaine, three skiers were on a free ski Sunday afternoon local time when they decided to do their last run of the day simply for fun. The men came upon a bunch of Austrian skiers. According to the Mountain Gazette, the Austrian group opted to ski a little different perspective with a different exposure.

The guy and Smaine were switching their backcountry gear into uphill mode when the first of the Austrians arrived. The avalanche was provoked by the second group of Austrian skiers, the guy informed the Mountain Gazette. Smaine and an Austrian skier died at the site.

According to Reuters, two Austrian skiers were remained missing following the avalanche on Sunday night.

According to his profile on Sierra-at-website, Tahoe’s Smaine won the halfpipe FIS World Ski Championship in Austria in 2015.

Credits: FOX RENO