Vancouver woman dies in ‘serious incident’ on tree run at Whistler

A 32-year-old woman died at Whistler Blackcomb ski resort over the weekend after becoming separated from her partner.

The woman, who has not been identified, passed away on Saturday while skiing on the Renegade trail, which is described by the resort as an advanced-gladed trail with many trees.

Vail Resorts did not confirm how the woman died, only calling it a “serious incident” but on Tuesday, Whistler Blackcomb put some information on X about how to stay safe while tree skiing.

“Tree wells aren’t just a risk for novice riders, these can catch out any ability skier or rider,” the resort put online.

“They are essentially sinkholes and are often obscured from the surface. But, we can minimize the risks to stay safe.”

Staff suggests always riding with someone else and keeping them within eyesight and earshot at all times. Wear a whistler on your zipper, ride a centre line, avoid tree trunk bases, take it slow and check-in regularly and take a mobile and call patrol in an emergency at 604-935-5555.

“On behalf of Whistler Blackcomb, our Ski Patrol and the entire Vail Resorts family, I would like to offer my deepest condolences,” Belinda Trembath, Whistler Blackcomb COO said in a statement.

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“Tragedies like this weigh heavily on all of us, and our hearts go out to the guest’s family and friends. We are here to support during this extremely difficult time.”

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Sea to Sky RCMP confirmed the sudden death, but released no other information on the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding the death.

RCMP said officers are working with the BC Coroners Service as the investigation continues.

This is the third death on Whistler Blackcomb slopes since the beginning of the year.

The resort said a 42-year-old man from B.C. died of snow immersion on Jan. 10. Ski patrollers found him in a gladed area around 7th Avenue and Expressway on Blackcomb.

Whistler Blackcomb also confirmed the death of a 62-year-old man on Blackcomb in late January. That recreationalist had been skiing in Sapphire Bowl, an expert-designated area of Blackcomb Glacier Provincial Park.