Heli-skier dies in tree well incident near Revelstoke

A heli-skier has died after falling into a tree well while skiing in the Albert Canyon area on Friday.

In a media statement, Revelstoke RCMP say that the visitor to the area, a 60-year-old German national, had been heli-skiing on a group tour for the past few days.

The group was on the last run of the day, at around 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 10.

When the group reached the bottom of the last run, they noticed the man was missing.

Police said that ski guides were able to “quickly” locate the man, who was face down in a tree well. They performed CPR on the man and had an AED device and oxygen on scene, police said. The guides eventually turned the man over to the B.C. Ambulance Service, who treated him, then transported him to hospital in Revelstoke.

“Unfortunately he was unable to be revived and passed away at Queen Victoria Hospital,” said Staff-Sgt. Kurt Grabinsky.

Police say there is no foul play suspected in this tragic death. The investigation has been turned over to the BC Coroner Service to complete the investigation. The name of the deceased is not being released at this time, pending the notification of family back in Germany.

Tree wells are a serious hazard in the backcountry, especially in the deep snow common to the Revelstoke area.

Tree well immersions have led to several deaths in the region in the past years. They occur when the tree’s branches block and sift out the snow, creating a large void that can be hidden under fresh snow. If someone falls in, especially head first, it can be extremely difficult or impossible to free yourself. It can lead to immersion and suffocation.

Precautions to avoid tree well immersions include being aware of the hazard, riding with partners and using a buddy system, avoiding falling in head first, trying to prevent a headfirst fall by grabbing onto branches, and avoiding burying yourself further by struggling. Check this tutorial for more information.