Three Swiss nationals — a father and his two sons — were killed in an avalanche during a heliskiing excursion near Terrace, B.C., on Sunday, according to Swiss media reports.
The tragedy occurred on the Iridium Shoulder ski run near Mount Knauss within the White Wilderness Heliskiing operating area, the company confirmed Tuesday in a statement.
Four people were caught and buried when the avalanche struck. All four were located within 15 minutes through transceiver searches and had deployed avalanche airbags, but three guests could not be saved despite rapid rescue efforts.
The fourth person caught in the slide, a guide with the heliskiing operation, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted by BC Ambulance to Terrace hospital. White Wilderness Heliskiing reported the guide is now in stable condition and has been transferred to Vancouver for surgery.
"The WWH team sends its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the three guests who lost their lives in this incident. Our deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims," the company stated.
White Wilderness Heliskiing has suspended all operations indefinitely following the incident.
The Swiss consulate in Vancouver has been contacted regarding the nationalities of the victims, though officials have not yet provided confirmation.
The incident highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing in British Columbia's mountainous terrain, where avalanche conditions can change rapidly during winter months.
This report is based on information from Global News. Read the original story.
