2 skiers killed in separate avalanches in Alberta’s backcountry

One person is dead following an avalanche in the area of Lake Louise Ski Resort on March 14, 2025. (Courtesy: RCMP)

Two skiers are dead after a pair of avalanches in Alberta’s backcountry on Friday.

Around 3:45 p.m., Lake Louise RCMP responded to reports of an avalanche in an area near the resort.

Avalanche Canada said on its website “after skiing Pipestone Bowl, (out of bounds from Lake Louise ski area), two skiers were working back to the ski area on a flagged traverse line in their downhill gear.

“At 1500 hrs (3 p.m.), Skier 1 triggered the avalanche on a 25-degree slope that propagated to the steeper terrain overhead. He was carried 50 metres and buried 150-200 centimetres deep.

“Skier 2 conducted a transceiver search, excavated Skier 1, and initiated first aid.”

Alpine Helicopter Rescue flew the badly injured skier to the staging area at the ski resort, but he died from his injuries.

The condition of the skier who survived is not known.

RCMP were assisted by crews from the Lake Louise Fire Department, search and rescue, local ski patrol, Alberta Health Services EMS, Parks Canada and STARS Air Ambulance.

Avalanche conditions in this area are currently rated as high.

Another avalanche happened in Kananaskis Country around 4 p.m., and involved a group of four skiers.

Of the four, one was swept up and died from the injuries they sustained.

The other three were uninjured.

A Kananaskis Country EMS unit staged just north of the Black Prince Day Use Area, about a kilometre north.

Alpine Helicopter Rescue also attended the Kananaskis Country scene to bring the deceased down.

Avalanche conditions in this area are currently rated as considerable.

With files from Damien Wood