Heli-skier dies in avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C.
A heli-skier died in an avalanche near Revelstoke, British Columbia, while skiing with companions and a guide.
A tragic avalanche incident occurred in southeastern British Columbia, resulting in the death of a heli-skier near Revelstoke. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), they were notified of the fatality after an avalanche struck a heli-skiing area on a Thursday afternoon, approximately 640 kilometres east of Vancouver. At the time of the incident, the skier was accompanied by three friends and a guide in a backcountry location when the avalanche struck shortly after 2 p.m.
Authorities reported that after the avalanche, the skier was found buried under approximately 1.5 metres of snow. They were subsequently airlifted to a nearby hospital in Revelstoke but were sadly pronounced dead upon arrival. The RCMP, in collaboration with the BC Coroners Service, is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and has stated there is no evidence of criminality related to the skier's death.
This incident highlights the inherent dangers associated with backcountry skiing, particularly in areas known for heli-skiing, where the risks of avalanches are more pronounced. Skiers and snowboarders in such environments are often reminded of the critical importance of avalanche safety measures, including training and equipment, to prevent tragic outcomes like this one. The death of this heli-skier serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in winter sports, especially in remote locations.