Scottish skier killed in Alps accident remembered as ‘exceptional’ coach
Aaron McLean, a co-founder of off-piste group British Freeride, is understood to have been instructing young skiers in the French mountain resort of Avoriaz when he died on Thursday.
Tributes have been paid to an "exceptional'' Scottish ski coach who died in an accident in the Alps.
Aaron McLean, a co-founder of off-piste group British Freeride, is understood to have been instructing young skiers in the French mountain resort of Avoriaz when he died on Thursday afternoon.
Mr McLean, 26, went to school in Edinburgh and learned to ski at Hillend.
He and a group of friends explored Scotland's summits in the short film Late, released last year, and he competed on the Freeride World Tour as Aaron McLean-Foreman.
Snowsport Scotland, which organises training and competition opportunities for skiers, said: "Aaron, a talented back country skier, coach, and man of great enthusiasm and infectious energy was immensely instrumental in the formation of British Freeride last year - the organisation that has created our Junior Freeride Coaching Pathway.
"Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and close friends and we hope his legacy will live on through the continued activity of British Freeride.''
Mr McLean was described as an "amazing skier and lover of the mountains and people'' by colleagues at British Freeride.
Friend Mark Mckellar wrote on Facebook: "It is with a heavy heart that I have to share the incredibly sad news that my very close friend Aaron McLean was taken from us yesterday in a tragic skiing accident.
"He was with a group of young advanced skiers coaching them for a Freeride Competition, doing what he loved, living life to the full. We are incredibly shocked and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and of course Amy.
"Let's raise a wee dram of whisky to this much loved soul and friend of ours and remember the incredible times we were lucky enough to have shared with him.''
Henry Burrows said on Facebook: "Aaron McLean you were one of the nicest, most talented skiers I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. "You were an exceptional coach, then work colleague, and more importantly an exceptional friend."