Bodies of skiers missing after avalanche found in Colorado

The bodies of three skiers caught in an avalanche in Colorado in the USA have been found buried beneath more than six meters of snow.

The Office of Emergency Management, San Juan County Colorado said the bodies would need to be removed by helicopter.

The skiers went missing earlier this week after the avalanche in the isolated area known as The Nose, at the Ophir Pass.

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But more avalanches and weather hampered the mission, officials say.

The victims were three men: Seth Bossung, Andy Jessen and Adam Palmer.

Mr Jessen founded a brewing company in Eagle, while the other two men reportedly worked for the council in Eagle County.

"Our hearts are heavy with the loss of these three men,' Eagle County said in a statement.

"Their contributions through their work in local government and local businesses, as well as their personal passions and their impact on the friends and family members they leave behind, have helped shape the community in ways that will be forever lasting."

Bonfire Brewing posted on Facebook: "We know in our hearts that Andy would want you here at Bonfire, gathered round for a beer."

Office of Emergency Management, San Juan County Colorado said it found the men's bodies but couldn't get them out yet.

"The victims have been recovered but still need to be removed from the area via helicopter, " they said on Facebook.

"The weather was too adverse for helicopter operations on Wednesday.

"The skiers were wearing beacons which enabled a successful identifiable location.

"They were buried in 20 plus feet (6m) of avalanche debris.

"Due to the rugged terrain and avalanche debris, a helicopter retrieval of the three skiers is now required.

"The next open window of weather permitting will allow the final step of this recovery mission to happen and complete this operation."