Skier dies after avalanche near Revelstoke; second avalanche death in B.C. this week

A skier taking part in a group tour near Revelstoke, B.C., is dead after accidentally triggering an avalanche. (Map courtesy avalanche.ca)

A skier taking part in a group tour near Revelstoke, B.C., is dead after accidentally triggering an avalanche.

Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing—a touring company based in Revelstoke—says the skier died after they accidentally triggered a class 2 avalanche during a guided tour in the Selkirk Mountains on Thursday.

The company says the skier was the last guest on the tour to ski down the route.

“Tragically, the skier was overtaken by the avalanche and was buried by it,” said a news release from the touring company.

The company added the skier was flown to Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke, but they did not survive.

No other guests or guides were hurt.

“It is impossible to put into words the sorrow we feel; that sadness is shared by everyone impacted as well as our staff,” said Dave Pehowich, general manager with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing.

“Our guests are like family to us, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the guest that was lost and all involved.”

Avalanche Canada’s forecast showed the area’s risk was ranked as considerable on Friday, meaning natural avalanches were possible and human-triggered avalanches were likely.

Revelstoke RCMP media relations officer Brett Urano said the skier had been skiing with three companions and one guide when the avalanche took place.

He said the victim, who he declined to provide any details about, was recovered from under 1.5 metres of snow.

Urano said the incident is a tragic reminder of how dangerous skiing the backcountry can be and encouraged everyone venturing into the mountains to stay safe and be conservative when taking risks.

It’s the second avalanche-related death in B.C.’s interior this week; on Tuesday, a snowmobiler died southeast of Fernie after climbing a slope on the mountain.