Three Swiss Heli Skiers Die in Canadian Avalanche

Accident Details on Mount Knauss

The accident happened on the Iridium Shoulder of Mount Knauss in Terrace in western British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that a father and his two sons were declared dead at the scene. Avalanche Canada reported that the group triggered the avalanche themselves as they passed over a weak snowpack. Emergency responders, including BC Emergency Health Services, were dispatched after receiving a report from lodge staff. The sole survivor was the guide with them, who was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries and is now in stable condition.

Official Response

The Swiss Consulate General in Vancouver is in contact with the relevant authorities. The Foreign ministry stated that family members are being assisted within the framework of consular protection. For reasons of data protection and privacy, the Swiss foreign ministry did not provide further details. The British Columbia Coroners Service is now investigating the deaths.

Separate Incident Near Klehini River

In a separated incident, a person died in an avalanche in Canada near the Klehini River in British Columbia. The area is close to the US border. Rescuers arrived by helicopter and found one person dead at the scene, while four other people were rescued.

Avalanche Fatalities This Season

There have been 11 avalanche fatalities in Canada to date this season since October.

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