Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

The skier who died Friday at Vail Mountain was identified as Charles Tuft, a longtime local doctor.

Tuft, 62, was taken to the Vail Valley Medical Center after the accident on Gitalong Road, a beginner trail between the Columbine and Bear Tree trails, according to a statement issued by Vail Mountain.

An Eagle County Sheriff's Office statement said Tuft apparently lost control when he went off an embankment and suffered bodily trauma. He was wearing a helmet.

Tuft was the president of Alpine Mobile Physicians and among his other accomplishments was an altitude sickness expert who had traveled as an expedition doctor on Mount Everest.

He was described by colleagues as a dedicated physician who worked to bring top-notch health care to everyone, even picking up patients if they needed a ride.

Read more about Tuft at the Vail Daily's website.