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Skiers continue to face great dangers. Recently, we saw terrifying footage of a skier encountering an unexpected volcanic eruption, one that almost turned deadly.
There aren't any volcanoes at Banff's top ski resorts. However, the area continues to see a spike in visitors thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, which has been relaunched for the winter holidays.
However, a tragic incident has occurred at a beloved location, the Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort. An Ontario woman lost her life going down a green run. Employees at the resort were quick to respond, but despite their best efforts, the guest passed away.
Here's a closer look at the incident and the resort's response.
A 47-Year-Old Woman Died Skiing At The Banff Sunshine Village Resort
A 47-year-old woman from Ontario died at Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff National Park over the weekend on December 27. The Sunshine ski patrol team was alerted to the incident after the woman fell into a deep, soft snow pocket.
The skier was unresponsive off Banff Avenue during the mid-afternoon. Staff arrived at the scene quickly.
Despite two hours of resuscitation measures, the woman could not be revived.
The Toronto woman's death was called a "deep snow immersion." According to the National Ski Areas Association, deaths from deep snow immersion lead to suffocation.
"A deep snow or tree well immersion accident occurs when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized and suffocates. Deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents are referred to as an SIS hazard or Snow Immersion Suffocation," the NSAA states.
Kendra Scurfield, director of brand and communications at Sunshine Village, issued a statement over the incident.
"We understand how hard it must be for them, and we'd also like to thank our ski patrol team for their work. I do know that our team is very quick responding to incidents and we're very fortunate that we have a caring community that skis and rides at Sunshine. We are often alerted to things very quickly by the general public if our ski patrol does not see it. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this hard time."
A post later on social media confirmed that the deceased was Farah Merchant of Toronto. Her brother wrote a tribute on social media.
Merchant leaves behind a son, Liam, and was known as a "kind soul" among her friends and family.
Sunshine Village Has Recorded Its Fourth Snowiest Season In History
At the time of her passing, Merchant was found on the green run, which is an easier mountain located in the lower area. However, according to CBC News, Sunshine Village has experienced a lot of snow this year, the fourth-snowiest season ever recorded.
For now, according to the SkiBanff website, conditions are expected to be clear and dry through Thursday.
The website writes, "Mainly clear and dry conditions are expected to continue today through Thursday as a ridge of high pressure sits over the region, then followed with isolated flurries Friday and over the weekend, before returning to fair weather early next week."
"Meanwhile, moderate ridgetop winds are also expected through Thursday, then increasing to moderate Friday and returning to light over the weekend. Finally, freezing levels are expected in the range of 900-1300 m through Wednesday, then slightly rising to 1100-1500 m late this week into the weekend."
Despite the clear conditions, Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort does have warnings in place for the safety of its guests. Among them includes an exclusion of liability statement.
Banff Sunshine Village's Safety Advisories For Skiers
Under its "Exclusion of Liability" page, the resort reminds skiers and snowboarders of the "Assumption of Risk." The resort reminds guests that risk, dangers and hazards may arise.
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"It is a condition of your use of the premises and facilities and your participation in these activities that you assume all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever, including negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any duty of care on the part of the ski area operator."
"Your legal responsibility as a user of the premises and facilities, or as participant in activities anywhere at Banff Sunshine Village is explained in the following notice, which you will see posted throughout the ski area."
Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort's Basic Rules For Guests:
-"Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects."
-"People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them."
-"Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic."
-"Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail."
-"You must prevent runaway equipment."
-"Read and obey all signs, warnings and hazard markings."
-"Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas."
-"You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant."
-"Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs."
-"If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee."
Guests are always asked to come prepared and are encouraged to ride the mountain with a partner or group.
The resort witnessed a separate incident last week after a guest fell from a chairlift. The guest was transported to the hospital without life-threatening injuries.