ASPEN, Colo. (AP) – Crews have recovered the body of a backcountry skier with Michigan ties who died in an avalanche near Snowmass last week.

Pitkin County sheriff’s officials say Snowmass resident Brandon J. Zukoff was killed outside the boundaries of the Snowmass ski area on Feb. 22. Authorities say two friends who were with him found his body and confirmed he had died before going for help.

Officials say avalanche danger and poor weather kept rescuers from recovering his body immediately. Later avalanches moved the body and covered it under snow. Avalanche dogs found Zukoff’s body Tuesday about 200 yards from its original location.

The 26-year-old was originally from Grand Blanc, Mich.

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