Skier dies in an avalanche near Golden, B.C.

A 45-year-old skier killed in an avalanche near Golden, B.C. was identified Wednesday as Canmore resident and mountain guide Robson Eras Gmoser.

The tragic incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday in an area near Ventigo Lake in the Selkirk Mountains, approximately 75 kilometres northwest of Golden.

Gmoser was leading a trip of highly-experienced back-country skiers who had spent the past several days skiing out of Sorcerer Lodge, a helicopter-only access area. The B.C. Coroners Service said the group had returned to the lodge, but Gmoser and an apprentice guide left to check and prepare the area where they planned to take the group the next day.

“While about 400 metres from the lodge, Mr. Gmoser was struck and buried by a slab avalanche,” said a Thursday statement from the coroners service.

He was recovered approximately 30 minutes after the avalanche occurred.

“Another person who had witnessed the avalanche was able to radio for help and several other members from the group responded to dig out the male,” said Golden RCMP Cst. Spencer Lainchbury in a release Wednesday afternoon.

Gmoser was airlifted to Golden Hospital, but resuscitation efforts were not successful.

The well-respected ski guide was born in Calgary but lived west of the city in Hervie Heights. He leaves behind a wife and three-year-old son.

Sorcerer Lodge owner Tanis Dakin said she and staff are shaken and deeply saddened by his death in a statement released to media.

“Our hearts go out to the family of our friend, and we will do all we can to support them at this very difficult time,” she said, noting he was well-known to staff and highly respected.

The B.C. Coroners Service, WorkSafeBC and RCMP continue to investigate Gmoser’s death.

With files from Jayme Doll