The skier, who has only been identified as 34 years old, died on Tuesday in what Vail Resorts called a “ski incident”. The company did not provide further details about the incident other than what happened at the base of the West Ridge ski slope. It is a black diamond, meaning advanced, located along what a map by Whistler Blackcomb identifies as a “rock area”. In a press release confirming the fatality on Thursday, Whistler RCMP said there was a “magnitude 1 avalanche” that swept the victim away. Size 1 refers to smaller avalanches, which are considered unlikely to bury a person, although they can still be dangerous depending on the terrain. Police said they were called to the resort shortly before 4pm on Tuesday by “several skiers” who located the victim who needed medical help. No other avalanche victims were identified, police said. Whistler RCMP said it would work with BC Coroners Service and Whistler Blackcomb’s health and safety team on its investigation, adding that another avalanche – this Size 2, slightly larger than the first – was reported Wednesday in the West. Col. . “The snow plow in and around Whistler is unstable at the moment due to warming weather and snowfall last week,” said Staff Sgt. Sascha Banks, in the RCMP version. “We encourage everyone to check your area before touring the backcountry or Whistler Blackcomb, to know your skill level, your travel plan, to have the right equipment and to have friends with you. Our thoughts are with family, friends and responding team from the man found on Tuesday “. A Vail Resorts spokesman said the skier had been pronounced dead “after emergency treatment and evaluation” and said COO Geoff Buchheister had expressed the company’s “deepest condolences” to the man’s family and friends.
