VAIL, COLORADO — Search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate Connor Gill, 26, a snowboarder who has been missing since Friday morning at Vail Mountain. As severe winter weather brings heavy snowfall and strong winds to the region, search crews are battling increasingly difficult conditions to find him.
The Disappearance of Connor Gill
According to the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Gill was last seen scanning his pass at a lift around 8:50 a.m. on Friday, heading toward the Avanti route area. He was reported missing by a guest later that afternoon at 3:15 p.m..
Authorities describe Gill as 6 feet tall, 195 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing an orange jumpsuit, gray helmet, and Smith goggles, and was using a Salomon snowboard. He is considered an intermediate-level snowboarder.
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Challenging Search Efforts
The search for Gill, led by Vail Ski Patrol and Vail Mountain Rescue, has been hampered by extreme weather conditions. Snowfall in the area has been heavy, with strong winds reducing visibility and making it difficult for rescue dogs to pick up a scent.
Searchers plan to use drones on Sunday, weather permitting, to assist in covering the vast terrain more efficiently. Meanwhile, the Vail Police Department is reviewing town cameras for any potential leads.
A search and rescue team member on Saturday reported that conditions were so severe that it was “snowing sideways”, making visibility extremely limited. Compounding the challenge, a winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday morning through late Monday night, with expected heavy snowfall and wind gusts reaching 40 mph.
Winter Mountain Safety and Precautions
As this search continues, the case serves as an important reminder of the dangers of mountain recreation in winter. Skiers and snowboarders—whether on-resort or venturing into the backcountry—should always take precautions, including:
- Stick to Designated Runs: Avoid closed areas or tree runs where it’s easier to get lost or stuck in deep snow.
- Carry a Buddy System or GPS Device: Never ride alone in unpredictable conditions. Personal locator beacons (PLBs) or apps like Strava can help track movement in case of an emergency.
- Be Prepared for Sudden Weather Changes: Even within ski resorts, conditions can change rapidly. Check weather forecasts before heading out.
- Know the Signs of Hypothermia & Avalanche Risks: Cold exposure and avalanche dangers increase dramatically during storms.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Support Search and Rescue Teams
Colorado’s mountain rescue teams, including Vail Mountain Rescue, are volunteer-based and work tirelessly to help those in distress, often in dangerous conditions like these. While they never charge for rescues, their operations rely on funding and equipment to continue saving lives.
One way to support these efforts is by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card. This is not insurance, but it helps reimburse SAR teams for gear and expenses used in rescues when a victim holds a card.
🔹 Get your CORSAR Card today to support these incredible volunteers: Colorado CORSAR Card
Our thoughts are with Connor Gill’s family and friends, as well as the brave search teams working through the harsh conditions to bring him home safely.
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