Inverness Backcountry Snowsports Club pays tribute to skier who was ‘a leading light’

Tributes have been paid by friends at a Highlands backcountry snowsports club to one of their ‘leading lights’ who died whilst ski touring in the Cairngorms.

Highly experienced skier Sam Burns, of Aviemore, lost his life on Friday whilst touring in the Northern Cairngorms on Friday.

The 40-year-old who moved to the Highlands around one year ago was reported overdue by friends when he failed to return to his van parked at Cairngorm Mountain.

He was found on Saturday morning after a large-scale search involving the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue and the HM Coastguard helicopter.

Brendan Hughes, President of the Inverness Backcountry Snowsports Club, said that Mr Burns will be sorely missed.

He posted on the club’s social media: “Sam was a very fit and hugely experienced mountaineer and skier and had just in the last 12 months had made a number of very significant achievements in the mountains both on club trips and out with others.

“These included skiing many of the most coveted steep lines in Scotland, the 'Tower Double' on Ben Nevis and a very fast traverse of the Skye Cullin in the summer.

“He was both highly competent and capable in the mountains and one of the club's leading lights.

“Sam joined the club committee at our AGM in May and as assistant events officer was already channeling his huge energy and enthusiasm back into the club for the benefit of all of our members.”

Mr Hughes continued: “I know many of you will have questions but now is the time for us to mourn the loss of a great friend and celebrate a life lived very much to the full.

“As a club we will look for an appropriate way to remember Sam, but for now if you want to help, please make a donation to Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team or to your local mountain rescue team directly or via Scottish Mountain Rescue.

“They are the ones who we rely on when the situation is at its worst and deserve all our respect and support.”

Tributes have been posted to Mr Burns on the club’s social media including from his sister Amy Tarren who said: “Sending thanks and love to all who knew Sam.

“He was my brother and its brings comfort to hear these words about him.

“We will be forever grateful for the joy he found in this community as well as the efforts of the mountain rescue team and his friends.”

Mr Burns had last been in contact with friends around 11.30am on Friday when he was skiing alone in the mountains.

His body was found around 11am in the next day by search and rescuers.

Donations to the volunteer Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team and more about their work can be found by clicking here.

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