A ski instructor was repeatedly attacked by an angry mountain visitor at a luxury Colorado resort, police said.
The incident occurred on January 4 at the Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat Springs.
According to the victim, chaos ensued after a male skier assaulted a coach conducting training on the slopes.
The coach said he was approached by the man while teaching children on a ski jump and tried to remain calm.
Things escalated and the angry skier reportedly traveled down and grabbed the instructor before punching him repeatedly in the head.
Steamboat Springs police have now released a photo of the red-faced suspect after the incident was caught on camera.
Police said the victim suffered possible serious injuries, including a concussion. The suspect is still at large.
“This is unacceptable and dangerous behavior in an area that many children and families often enjoy,” said Sgt. Evan Noble told it KDVR.
Police have released this photo of a suspect accused of attacking a Colorado ski instructor
The incident occurred on January 4 at the Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat Springs
“SSPD would like to acknowledge the calm behavior of the ski coach, who attempted to calm the situation and remove himself and his group from the area.”
Police have not yet released any further details about the victim.
They said they have received several tips about the suspect, but so far he has not been located.
Anyone who may have witnessed the alleged attack or knows the whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Michael Buccino or call police at 970-879-4344 or 970-879-1144.
Steamboat Springs is known for its world-famous snow, which it has trademarked as “champagne powder.”
The self-proclaimed “cowboy ski resort” is best known as a playground for the elites where aspiring Winter Olympians come to train.
Daily lift passes cost up to $300, making it one of the most expensive resorts in the country.
The formerly quaint town has also become a vacation rental hotspot, where the average price of a single-family home has risen to $1.8 million since 2020.
Steamboat Springs is known for its world-famous snow, which it has trademarked as “champagne powder”
The wide divide between the resort’s locals and affluent out-of-towners has caused some tension in the area, even after a $200 million development boost.
Last month the resort issued a warning after a skier caused an avalanche on closed terrain.
The avalanche required a “significant” response from the ski patrol, which was dispatched to ensure no other skiers or snowboarders were caught in the slide.
The skier involved in the avalanche has not been identified and it is unclear whether the resort will issue sanctions.
However, the resort warned that violating the closed slope policy could result in the loss of skiing privileges.