3 German skiers die in avalanche in British Columbia mountains
Three German tourists from Bavaria are dead, the victims of one of the most dangerous avalanche seasons of recent memory in British Columbia.
The trio were part of a nine-person heli-ski group that took off early Wednesday to explore an area near Panorama Mountain Resort near Invermere, B.C.
Four people were injured in an avalanche southwest of Invermere Wednesday morning, according to B.C. Emergency Health Services. (CTV)
The skiers triggered the slide, according to avalanche experts, and despite having avalanche training and a guide on hand, three were unable to get out of it.
Four, including the guide, were injured and transported to hospital in non-life-threatening condition.
"It is impossible to put into words the sorrow that we feel," said Tom Brinkerhoff, the president of RK Heliski, the tour group that organized the trip. "And the sadness that is shared by our guests, their families and all of our staff."
Staff with RK Heliski call it the hardest day of their careers.
Staff of R.K. Heliski said the day was the most difficult of their careers
Backcountry skiing carries an inherent risk, but this ski season has been especially tough.
Twelve people have died this season in the British Columbia mountains, and this is the second heli-skiing company to be involved in a deadly slide.
"In any outdoor activity, you can't eliminate 100 per cent of the risk," said RK Heliski general manager and guide Graham Holt.
Another skier who went up with RK Heliski two weeks ago said he was shocked by the news, particularly after going through the company's safety protocol.
"They trained us before we took the helicopter," said Pascal Bergevin. "They talked to us, [and] we had a transponder on us."
A group of 9 skiers and a guide were caught in an avalanche near Invermere, B.C. Wednesday. Three people died and four others were injured.
It's that training that's being credited for the others making it out alive Wednesday.
"I think it does attest to the challenging season that we've had," said Jesse de Montigny, of Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore. "And the risks the industry faces."
UNSTABLE SNOWPACK
A warm start to the season followed by extreme cold and rain has led to an unstable – and unpredictable – snowpack.
"These conditions are really difficult to recognize in the field," said Avalanche Canada's Simon Horton. "It makes it difficult to identify safe and unsafe slopes."
An avalanche in B.C.
And the risk isn't over yet.
"Since we're not out of the winter, we could see tricky conditions continuing," said Horton, "Especially heading into March, which is a time of year where accidents can be quite common."
Experts say backcountry skiers need to be aware of the risks when they come to this area and remind everyone to pay attention to any warnings. Having some sort of basic training before going up is highly encouraged – but even professionals are struggling in the present conditions.
The three victims were said to be from Bavaria in southern Germany.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Humanity at risk: AI pioneer urges federal government to regulate faster
One of the so-called godfathers of artificial intelligence says governments need to move faster on regulations to protect against the dangers of the rapidly advancing technology, before it poses a larger threat to humanity.

Running through middle age can keep brain healthy and neurons wired: study
Exercising as you age can help maintain memory and fight cognitive decline, according to a new study.
Prediabetes: The younger you are, the higher the risk of dementia
People who develop prediabetes when they’re younger are likely to have a higher risk for dementia in later life, a new U.S. study has found.
'We have an influence': How some Canadians are inspiring others to focus on the environment
From actions in their local communities to mass demonstrations, here's how Canadians from all walks of life are inspiring others to take part in helping the environment.
Jan. 6 rioters are raking in thousands in donations. Now the U.S. is coming after their haul
Less than two months after he pleaded guilty to storming the U.S. Capitol, Texas resident Daniel Goodwyn appeared on Tucker Carlson's then-Fox News show and promoted a website where supporters could donate money to Goodwyn and other rioters whom the site called 'political prisoners.'
Venice police investigate bright green liquid in Grand Canal
Police in Venice are investigating the source of a phosphorescent green liquid patch that appeared Sunday in the city's famed Grand Canal.
South Korean arrested for opening plane emergency exit door, faces up to 10 years in prison
A man who opened an emergency exit door during a flight in South Korea was formally arrested Sunday and faces up to 10 years in prison on a charge of violating the aviation security law, officials said.
Hamilton police ask residents to shelter after barricaded man involved in double homicide fires shots
Police in Hamilton, Ont. are dealing with a barricaded person who they say is involved in the deaths of two people.
Attorney for 11-year-old Mississippi boy shot by police says there's 'no way' he could have been mistaken for an adult
An attorney for an 11-year-old Mississippi boy who was shot by a police officer after he called 911 for help said Thursday there was 'no way' the boy could have been mistaken for an adult.