CALGARY – An 18-year-old skier from British Columbia was airlifted to hospital after crossing a boundary rope at the Sunshine Village Ski Resort near Banff, triggering an avalanche and falling approximately 550 metres.
Parks Canada spokesperson Tania Peters said the teenager, who is from Enderby, B.C., walked onto a corniced ridge after climbing under two ropes on Goat’s Eye Mountain on Friday afternoon. The ledge failed, spurring an avalanche, and the skier fell along with the debris.
He was with his 15-year-old brother and father at the time, and it was his brother that called for help.
Peters said the injured skier was located on the surface of the avalanche debris. EMS spokesperson Naomi Nania said he had muscle skeletal injuries, but was conscious and breathing when crews were able to get to him.
“From what we understand, he is in serious – potentially life threatening condition because of the lower leg injuries,” she said.
He was picked up from Sunshine Ski Hill by Banff EMS and transported to Mineral Springs Hospital. A STARS air ambulance then took him to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary late Friday afternoon.
“On behalf of Parks Canada I’d just like to iterate that our thoughts are with the injured skier, his family and friends and we sincerely hope that he makes a full recovery,” said Peters.
The search follows the death of a snowboarder who crashed into a tree at Sunshine Village on Monday.
Sunshine Village is located about 140 kilometres west of Calgary.
With files from Justin McElroy
- Surrey hospital won’t have emergency team for parts of May long weekend, doctor claims
- Vancouver Island residents question new supportive housing location
- B.C. daycare operator says provincial red tape could close facility
- Canada to race in first-ever women’s America’s Cup with Vancouverite at the helm
Comments