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LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON — An accomplished rock climber was killed in a backcountry skiing accident near Alta Ski Area.
The body of Merrill Bitter, 68, of Cottonwood Heights, was found just after 9 a.m. in the Grizzly Gulch area just off Wolverine Bowl, said Unified Police Sgt. Melody Cutler.
Cutler said there was debris and evidence of a small slide where the body was found. Members of the Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, with assistance from the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter, were able to retrieve Bitter's body from the mountain about 10:30 a.m.
Bitter had gone skiing by himself at Alta on Wednesday, Cutler said. He told employees of his company that he would check in with them about 3 p.m. When that didn't happen, employees called the Alta town marshal about 9 p.m. Wednesday to report him as overdue. The marshal then notified Unified police.
Rescuers searched until about 1:30 a.m. before resuming at daybreak on Thursday.
Bitter was a renowned climber in Utah for nearly four decades and worked for IME Climbing. Tributes started to be posted on social media Thursday afternoon.
"I went to high school with Merrill, have had the opportunity to climb with him in LCC, BCC and Yosemite (I'm not the climber like he is), and on ice. His life is a sermon of positivity and goodness in a world of cynicism and irreverence. Just knowing him has made my life better," one man wrote.
His brother, Warren Bitter, on Facebook thanked all the searchers who looked for Merrill and ultimately recovered his body.
"I can't thank them enough for showing their dedication and support in finding Merrill. What made this extra tough for them, is that so many of them knew Merrill personally from the climbing and backcountry community," he posted. "My family and I express our appreciation to the Alta Ski Patrol, Alta Marshals office, the Unified police, the Brighton and Solitude ski patrol, the Utah Highway Patrol and many of Merrill's friends who helped in the search and recovery. I am comforted by their efforts, caring and concern. Truly some very special people."
Warren Bitter went on to say that his brother had not been skiing in a few years and was excited to get into the backcountry. And he was looking forward to going with his brother soon.
"To be with Merrill on the mountain was always an incredible experience. Climbing was out of my element, however. He was one of the most accomplished climbers around. He began his climbing career in the early 70s in Little Cottonwood. That canyon was his playground ever since. The canyon was his home base, but his adventures took him around the world.
"His friendship, love of climbing, and influence was felt by many. He also skied many of the areas in the canyon, nothing was too extreme for him. He was an incredible brother, friend and person. Love You Merrill, we will ride together soon! Keep a fresh line open for me when I arrive. Your legacy will live on Bro!"
