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Avalanche in BC claims life of professional snowboarder and The North Face manager

Awaiting rescue, the men were tragically swept up by an oncoming avalanche.

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Men found themselves trapped amidst the descent of an avalanche, moments before scheduled rescue...
Men found themselves trapped amidst the descent of an avalanche, moments before scheduled rescue mid-transit.

Avalanche in BC claims life of professional snowboarder and The North Face manager

Updated Article:

Three unfortunate ski enthusiasts – industry bigwigs, as per reports – met a tragic end due to a colossal avalanche in British Columbia. The slide occurred on the eastern side of Kootenay Lake around 1pm on Monday, as stated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Two separate groups of skiers had just completed their runs on a bowl and were waiting below the tree line at Clute Creek watershed when a transport helicopter noticed a looming avalanche. The pilot promptly sounded an alarm. One group managed to evacuate, but the other group of four skiers was swept away into the nearby forest.

Avalanche Canada reports that the avalanche, classified as size 3, claimed the lives of three men from the group. Regrettably, a fourth survivor remains in critical conditions.

The owners of local outfit Stellar Heliskiing have extended their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Notably, the guide who perished has been identified as the company's owner, Jason Remple, aged 53.

Jeff Keenan, a seasoned pro snowboarder residing in Whistler, was also among the deceased. He was the founder of snowboard company Dinosaurs Will Die. Alex Pashley, from Idaho, a Global Sports Marketing Manager (Snow) for The North Face, was another unfortunate victim.

Mourning the loss of their colleague, The North Face shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, stating, "We're deeply saddened to announce the loss of Alex Pashley. His enthusiasm and kindness have left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know him."

According to Mark Jennings-Bates, manager of Kaslo Search and Rescue, all three deceased individuals were extremely skilled and competent in the backcountry.

Just over three weeks earlier, a deadly avalanche occurred in Alaska, stamping the deadliest avalanche in the US since 2023. Regrettably, no updates on the recovery of the victims have been reported.

Safety First

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding typically carry a higher risk of avalanches as opposed to resort skiing. Incidents like these underscore the importance of avalanche training, preparation, and appropriate equipment. To minimize the chance of accident, experts recommend:

  • Attend an avalanche safety course to learn essential techniques such as how to read an avalanche forecast.
  • Constantly monitor weather and snow conditions, especially during spring conditions when the risks are increased.
  • Never venture into the backcountry alone. Stay with a group and maintain visual and auditory contact.
  • Consider taking an avalanche safety course and equipping yourself with recommended gear to further improve your safety while exploring the backcountry.

Gear Up

Investing in proper gear is crucial when engaging in activities in avalanche-prone regions. Essential items include:

  • Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon)
  • Avalanche Probe
  • Avalanche Shovel
  • Personal Locator Beacon or Satellite Communicator
  • First Aid Kit
  • Communication Device (Cell Phone or Radio)
  • Map and Compass or GPS
  • Extra Food, Water, and Layers
  • Headlamp and Extra Batteries

Consider opting for gear equipped with RECCO reflector and a ski backpack with airbags for added safety.

For more information on the best avalanche beacons and ski backpacks, check out our latest guides.

A Note on Education and Safety

Remember, knowledge is your best defense against avalanches. Stay updated, stay safe, and enjoy the thrill of the backcountry responsibly. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and gear to maximize your chances of a successful and safe adventure.

Sources

[1] M Kamins, “What Gear to Have in Your Backcountry Ski Kit,” OutdoorGearLab, 2022.[2] A Kenworthy, “Avalanche Survival Kit Checklist,” AdventureStewards.org, 2021.[3] A Aspen Snowmass, “Stay Safe in Avalanche Terrain,” AspenSnowmass.com, 2022.

  1. Despite the higher risk in backcountry skiing and snowboarding, investments in proper gear and attending avalanche safety courses can decrease the chances of accidents, as unfortunately demonstrated by the recent avalanche incident and the deaths of industry figures in crime-and-justice-related news.
  2. In light of the latest general-news article about the avalanche in British Columbia that claimed the lives of three skiers, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of knowing how to read an avalanche forecast, staying with a group, and using the appropriate equipment for safety when engaging in extreme sports like backcountry skiing.

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