Snow biker killed near Marias Pass

A man from Cut Bank was killed by an avalanche on Saturday, Feb. 25, while he was traveling by snow bike on the Skyland Road snowmobile trail near Marias Pass.

Francis Skierka, 23, was partially buried, with one foot sticking out of the snow. Skierka’s friend, also from Cut Bank, sustained minor injuries but was able to dig himself out.

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said the two men triggered the avalanche while riding their snow bikes. A snow bike is a dirt bike that has been converted for use on snow by replacing the wheels with treads similar to those found on a snowmobile.

Personnel from the Flathead County and Glacier County sheriff’s offices and from the North Valley and Glacier County search and rescue organizations responded to the incident.