Skier killed in avalanche in Banff National Park
By Nelson Daily Staff
Parks Canada confirm that one person was killed over the weekend after being caught in an avalanche in Banff National Park near Lake Louise.
Parks Canada said that at approximately 10 a.m. Sunday, safety specialists with were notified of an avalanche on Mount Victoria, just west of Lake Louise along the Alberta/B.C. border.
The skier caught in the avalanche was part of a party of two which set out earlier Sunday to climb the mountain.
The pair, however, were turned back mid-way through their ascent because of strong winds and poor conditions.
But on the way down the mountain, one of the skiers was caught in an avalanche.
The other skier was able to make his way to the viewpoint trail above the Plain of Six Glaciers tea house and find help, but recovery operations were not possible Sunday because of strong winds in the area.
Parks Canada safety specialists began a recovery operation early Monday morning and were able to retrieve the victim.
Parks Canada expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased skier in a media release.
No place or identity of the skiers have been released at this time.
