A MAN has been killed and another remains missing after being buried by an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains.

The pair were riding snowmobiles on Mount Epworth, near Winter Park, CO, when they were swept away by the snow.

Authorities have confirmed that a 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other rider could not be located.

Search and rescue teams rushed onto the mountain side after the avalanche was reported at around 2.15pm, where the found the deceased man, who was from northern Colorado.

Officers were only able to find him because he had a transceiver, a device designed to transmit your location if you get lost on a mountain.

The missing man did not have a similar device, the avalanche center confirmed.

Neither of the men has been identified, but a statement from the Grand County Sherriff's Office said the county coroner was expected to release his details later.

First responders have called off the search for the missing man until the light and weather conditions improve.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures on the mountain dropped into single digits overnight, while the mercury never made it above 30F throughout the day.

A statement from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) added: "Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the people involved in this tragic accident."

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Sheriff Brett Schroetlin said: "We encourage those recreating in our backcountry to regularly monitor the conditions and follow the advice of our avalanche professionals at Colorado Avalanche Information Center."

According to CAIC's data, there have been three deaths in the state from avalanches since Boxing Day, two of which were in Grand County.

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