A Russian citizen has died after an avalanche struck near the Myler ski resort in Armenia.

The victim, identified as 37-year-old Anton Gulezan, worked at the ski complex and was reported missing on the morning of March 16 at around 11:37 am, The Caspian Post reports, citing Armenian media.

Armenia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs initially confirmed the incident without providing further details.

Search and rescue teams conducted an operation lasting about six hours before locating Gulezan’s body under snow estimated to be up to six metres deep.

Authorities have launched a criminal investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the avalanche.