Avalanche near Golden BC claims life of back-country skier

GOLDEN, B.C. – A skier was killed Monday when an avalanche swept down a slope in the Selkirk Mountains about 75 kilometres northwest of Golden, B.C.

The skier was part of a group of experienced back-country skiers who had spent several days skiing out of Sorcerer Lodge, a helicopter-only access area.

In a statement released through a communications firm, Tanis Dakin of Sorcerer Lodge said she and the lodge staff are shaken by the death of the skier.

She said the skier, whose name has not yet been released by the RCMP, was well-known at the lodge and highly respected.

The avalanche struck at about 5:30 p.m. in an area near Ventigo Lake, a route on the way to Mount Iconoclast, a 3,251 metre peak northwest of Golden.

The skier was recovered about a half hour after the avalanche and was flown to a Golden hospital by helicopter where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

"Our hearts go out to the family of our friend, and we will do all we can to support them at this very difficult time," said Dakin.