The snow has arrived in BC and an unfortunate incident on Whistler Mountain has once again underscored the importance of always being on top of your game, no matter where you are on the mountain. Do not get lazy with your safety just because you are skiing in-bounds, tragedy can happen anywhere on the mountain. Please make sure to read and follow the advice below:
"A 63-year-old male skier has died after a tree-well incident on Whistler Mountain this morning near Ratfink run on Whistler Mountain.
Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol, a paramedic and a mountain doctor responded to the scene immediately, while members of the public administered CPR. Resuscitation attempts continued as the male was transported down Whistler Mountain to an ambulance and on to the Whistler Health Care Centre, where he was pronounced dead.
Natural hazards such as tree wells occur within and outside of the ski area boundary. It is always a good idea to ski/ride with a partner or group.
A tree well is a hole or depression that forms around the base of a tree while snow accumulates. A tree well incident occurs when a person falls, head first, into an area of deep snow around the base of a tree and becomes immobilized. The more the person struggles the more entrapped in the snow they become. The risks of a tree well accident or fatality can be reduced by following these basic practices:
• •Always ski or ride with a partner
• • Keep your partner in sight and stay in visual contact so they can see you if you fall
• • Stay close enough to either pull or dig each other out"
