*AVALANCHE IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK CLAIMS 2 LIVES, 1 STILL MISSING*
A devastating avalanche in Banff National Park has claimed the lives of two skiers, while a third remains missing. The incident occurred on a remote slope in the park’s backcountry, where a group of experienced skiers had ventured despite warnings of high avalanche risk.
According to park officials, the avalanche occurred around 10 am on Saturday, sending a massive wall of snow crashing down on the group. Two of the skiers were able to dig themselves out and alert authorities, but two others were found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as experienced skiers from Calgary. A search and rescue operation is currently underway for the third member of the group, who remains missing. Park officials are working with local authorities and ski experts to locate the missing skier, but conditions remain challenging due to ongoing snowfall and unstable terrain.
Parks Canada has issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and emphasizing the importance of assessing avalanche risk before venturing into the backcountry. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the skiers involved in this tragic incident,” said a Parks Canada spokesperson. “We urge all visitors to exercise extreme caution when exploring the park’s backcountry and to stay informed about avalanche risks.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with backcountry skiing and the importance of being prepared and informed. Banff National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but visitors must be aware of the potential hazards and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
