Historical Incidents

Incident Summary

Date

2009-03-07

Location

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Location Description

Ozone Permanent Avalanche Closure

Province

BC

Coordinates

117.09444 °, 51.28194 °

Elevation

2470 m

Activity

Lift Skiing Closed

Involvement

2

Injury

0

Fatality

2

Description

The avalanche occurred in the Ozone Permanent Avalanche Closure area at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Two skiers from a group of four descended onto the slope, while the other two remained on the ridge at the top of the slope. The two that descended triggered the avalanche and were buried in the avalanche path. The two that remained at the top were not caught in the avalanche. Rescue team members from the Golden Search and Rescue Team, long side with the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort staff located the two buried skiers within half an hour of the call being received. Both were unresponsive when located and CPR was immediately administered. The two were airlifted, from the site directly to the Golden District Hospital where they were pronounced deceased. Rescuers reported that the first male was located approximately 70cm below the surface of the avalanche, with the second being found approximately 60cm below the surface. Rescuers confirmed that at least one of the skiers was equipped with a emergency locator beacon.