Missing Vancouver Skier Found Dead in Backcountry Near Whistler

Search-and-rescue crews have located the body of a 78-year-old Vancouver man who went missing while skiing near Whistler Blackcomb.

Authorities say the man appears to have inadvertently left the resort’s ski boundary and entered the backcountry, where he was later found in steep terrain on the south side of Piccolo Peak.

The discovery was made after several days of searching in the mountainous region near Whistler.

Found in challenging terrain

Brad Sills, president of Whistler Search and Rescue, said the skier was located at an elevation of roughly 1,600 metres.

Rescuers described the area as steep and difficult terrain.

“This was a tragic incident of someone skiing alone who we believe inadvertently went beyond the ski area boundary, likely in poor visibility conditions,” Sills said.

Search began after disappearance reported

According to Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the Sea-to-Sky region, the missing skier was reported on Feb. 28.

The man’s body was found on March 5 after an extensive search effort involving multiple agencies.

The Vancouver Police Department was also notified because the skier was a Vancouver resident.

Clue discovered during earlier search

Sills said a key clue emerged when a single ski pole was discovered during an unrelated search on Feb. 20.

A photograph of the pole was taken at the time, and investigators were later able to match it with images belonging to the missing skier.

Officials said the man did not have backcountry safety equipment with him.

Multi-agency search effort

The recovery operation involved teams from several organizations, including:

• Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol

• Whistler Search and Rescue

• Squamish Search and Rescue

• North Shore Rescue

Specially trained search dogs were also deployed during the operation.

Katrina Boehmer of the Sea-to-Sky RCMP said the evidence suggests the skier accidentally left the controlled resort area.

“It simply appears to be a case where the individual inadvertently went outside of the ski boundary,” she said.

Safety reminder for backcountry recreation

Following the incident, search-and-rescue officials are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to share their plans before heading into remote areas.

Sills said informing friends or family about where you are going — and when you plan to return — can make a crucial difference if a search becomes necessary.

“If you're skiing alone, it is imperative that you let someone know when you expect to return so that a timely search can be started,” he said.

Police say no further details about the victim will be released.