Family of teen killed in Nakiska avalanche says resort’s silence is ‘hurtful’ and ‘insulting’

The family of a teen killed in a February avalanche at Nakiska Ski Area says they still haven't heard from the resort about an investigation into the slide.

The family of a 15-year-old boy killed in an avalanche at Nakiska Ski Resort says the lack of communication from the resort’s management has been “insulting” as their wait for answers about the tragedy continues.

Emilio Hrazdira died in hospital on Feb. 28, one day after he was fully buried by a slide in the Monster Glades area of the resort.

A second boy was partially buried in the same incident but survived.

Filip Hrazdira, Emilio’s father, says neither the ski hill nor its parent company, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), has contacted the family since his son’s death.

“I think out of this whole thing, it’s perhaps the most hurtful, maybe even insulting part,” Hrazdira said. “Not a condolence, not an apology. We haven’t heard anything about the investigation that they’re doing.”

Seeking accountability

In a statement released shortly after the incident, RCR said it was conducting a full investigation and offered condolences to those affected.

But the company has since failed to respond to repeated requests from CTV News for updates on the status of that probe.

Hrazdira says his family is looking for transparency regarding safety protocols on the day of the slide.

“I hope one day they can honestly answer two questions,” he said. “What made them comfortable to open that terrain that day and what mitigations did they put in place, if any, to stop something like this from happening.”

“The second question: what did they learn from this? How are they going to change to make sure this doesn’t happen again?”

Investigative delays

While one mountain recreation expert noted internal resort investigations are typically completed within weeks, public disclosure can take much longer.

Avalanche Canada said it doesn’t have further information on the slide at this time.

The organization noted it can only perform a formal “incident analysis” once the two-year statutory period for filing a lawsuit in Alberta has passed.

Despite the silence from the resort, an independent investigation appears to be moving forward.

Information has surfaced that Nakiska allowed a third-party investigator and a mountain guide onto the hill Friday to gather data on behalf of the surviving boy’s family.

Inspiring legacy

Emilio was described by his father as a “perfect son” with endless energy who lived life to the fullest through his passion for skiing.

“He was always curious, always exploring,” Hrazdira said.

Emilio was part of the Lake Louise Ski Club. He wanted to go to the Olympics and be a professional skier.

The family is currently organizing honorary events and awards to preserve the teenager’s memory.

“He was inspiring. I think he inspired everyone to be a better person.”