Inbounds Avalanche in Whistler Kills 34-Year-Old Man
8th April 2022
Last modified on April 11th, 2022
The Canadian resort has expressed its deepest sympathy to the victim’s family & friends. An investigation is underway. It comes as three ski tourers died in an avalanche in Norway.
Avalanches on the patrolled slopes in North America are rare.
The rescue services were alerted at around 4pm on Tuesday and went to the base of West Ridge, a black diamond run between Whistler Bowl and West Bowl.
The area had recently been opened after fresh snowfall.
The victim was treated for his injuries but pronounced dead at the scene.
“Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Ski Patrol and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest’s family and friends,” said the Chief Operating officer of Whistler Blackcomb, Geoff Buchheister.
It has been described as a Size 1 avalanche.
Avalanches are rated on a scale of one to five with a Size 1 the smallest, usually covering 10 to 30 metres in length with a volume of about 100 cubic metres.
“The snowpack in and around Whistler is unstable at the moment due to the warming weather and snowfall this past week,” said a police spokesperson.
“We are recommending everyone to check your area prior touring in the backcountry or Whistler Blackcomb, know your skill level, trip plan, have the appropriate equipment, and have friends with you.”
The name of the man has not been released.
An investigation is underway.
In Norway an avalanche killed three French skiers in their 60s in the far northern region of Troms.
Six members of the same skiing group were unhurt.
They alerted the rescue services and began a search and rescue operation.
All members of the group were wearing avalanche beacons and were correctly equipped.
The mayor of Lyngen said that the news was a tragic start to the Easter holiday break.
