B.C. Heli-Ski Company Suspends Operations After Avalanche Kills 3 Swiss Tourists

A heli-skiing company in northern British Columbia has suspended operations after an avalanche killed three Swiss nationals during a guided tour near Terrace.

The victims were part of a group skiing on Mount Knauss, about 30 kilometres north of Terrace, when an avalanche struck the Iridium Shoulder run shortly before 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), three people died at the scene, while a fourth skier was airlifted to hospital in Vancouver.

The Swiss Consulate General in Vancouver confirmed the victims were Swiss nationals but did not release further details.

Company halts operations

The group was touring with White Wilderness Heliskiing, a Swiss-owned operator offering small guided ski trips in the region.

In a statement, company representative Michael Brackenhofer confirmed the victims were clients on a guided excursion. The guide was also caught in the avalanche but survived and is in stable condition after being transported to Vancouver for surgery.

The company has suspended all operations indefinitely as investigations continue.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims,” the statement said.

Workplace investigation underway

The incident is now being investigated by multiple agencies, including the WorkSafeBC, which has classified the avalanche as a serious workplace incident due to the involvement of a guide.

WorkSafeBC says it will examine the circumstances of the accident and determine whether additional safety measures could help prevent similar tragedies.

The BC Coroners Service is also involved, alongside RCMP investigators.

Another fatal avalanche reported

In a separate incident the same day, another skier died in an avalanche near the B.C.–Alaska border, close to Mount McDonell.

According to Avalanche Canada, the skier was part of a group of five touring the area when the avalanche was triggered during descent. One person was buried 1.5 metres deep and did not survive, while another sustained minor injuries.

Rising avalanche danger

With these latest incidents, nine people have died in avalanches across British Columbia since December 2025.

Forecasters warn that avalanche risk remains considerable in alpine regions, particularly in northwestern B.C.

Experts say recent weather patterns — including an atmospheric river — have created unstable snow conditions. In some areas, the lack of a strong crust layer in the snowpack increases the risk of triggering deeper, more dangerous avalanches.

Safety warning issued

In response, WorkSafeBC has issued a reminder to employers operating in avalanche terrain.

The agency says companies must:

• Continuously monitor conditions

• Ensure workers are properly trained and supervised

• Halt operations when conditions become unsafe

Between 2014 and 2024, WorkSafeBC recorded 23 avalanche-related workplace injury claims, including one fatality and 11 serious injuries.

Ongoing concerns

The tragedy underscores the risks associated with backcountry and heli-skiing — particularly during periods of unstable weather.

As investigations continue, officials are urging both operators and recreational users to exercise caution and stay informed about changing mountain conditions.