5 Skiers Rescued After Avalanche Buries Group Near Whistler, B.C.

An avalanche in the backcountry north of Whistler, B.C., left four heli-skiers and their guide buried under snow on Monday, prompting a rapid rescue effort that saved all five.

Whistler RCMP said the avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. PT in "The Meadow," a backcountry ski area on Ipsoot Mountain. The avalanche was human-triggered and classified as size 2.5 on a 1-5 scale — large enough to bury or kill a person, according to Avalanche Canada.

Immediate Response Saves Lives

RCMP Const. Antoine Graebling said a nearby group of heli-skiers witnessed the avalanche and immediately sprang into action, rescuing the buried individuals within minutes.

"The first rescue efforts were immediate," said Graebling. "The avalanche was reported at 11:30 a.m., and by 11:32 a.m., rescue efforts were already underway."

All five skiers were accounted for and reported to be in stable condition.

Backcountry Warnings

Graebling cautioned skiers and backcountry users to be vigilant as conditions in the area remain unpredictable. "Conditions can change dramatically," he warned, urging people to check avalanche forecasts before heading out.

Avalanche Canada has issued a "considerable" avalanche risk warning for alpine areas on Metro Vancouver's North Shore mountains over the coming days, as a series of storms is set to bring heavy precipitation and strong winds to the South Coast.

Premier Thanks Rescuers

B.C. Premier David Eby praised the rescuers in a tweet, calling it "an incredible rescue."

Whistler Heli-Skiing, the operator associated with the group, expressed gratitude to rescuers and Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol for their swift response.

"We are thankful that all individuals caught by the avalanche were accounted for," said Dane Gergovich, a spokesperson for the company.

Luck Amid Danger

Graebling noted that despite the avalanche’s size, the group was fortunate that the snowpack was relatively light and fluffy, rather than dense and heavy, which could have made the situation far more dangerous.

As winter weather intensifies, backcountry users are reminded to carry proper safety equipment, including transceivers, shovels, and probes, and to always travel with trained companions.