Full Breakdown
Avalanche Fatality Near Revelstoke, B.C.
2/21/2026, 8:48:02 PM
Incident Overview
A skier tragically died after being buried in an avalanche while participating in a guided tour near Revelstoke, British Columbia, on Thursday. The incident occurred in the Selkirk Mountains at an elevation of 2,150 metres, where the skier, who was the last in a group to descend, accidentally triggered a class 2 avalanche. Despite immediate rescue efforts by Selkirk Tangiers Helicopter Skiing, the skier was pronounced dead after being flown to Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke. No other guests or guides were injured during the incident.
Company Response
Selkirk Tangiers Helicopter Skiing expressed deep sorrow over the loss. General Manager Dave Pehowich stated, “It is impossible to put into words the sorrow we feel; that sadness is shared by everyone impacted as well as our staff.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, noting that their guides undergo extensive training to mitigate risks associated with mountain skiing. Pehowich acknowledged the inherent dangers of outdoor activities, stating, “It’s impossible to eliminate 100 percent of the risks in the backcountry.”
Avalanche Conditions
The avalanche risk in the area was classified as considerable, or Level 3, by Avalanche Canada, indicating that natural avalanches were possible and human-triggered avalanches were likely. Tyson Rettie, an avalanche forecaster, remarked on the challenging conditions for mountain recreation, particularly following another avalanche-related fatality earlier in the week, where a snowmobiler died near Fernie.
Official Statements & Responses
Revelstoke RCMP media relations officer Brett Urano highlighted the dangers of backcountry skiing, urging caution among those venturing into mountainous areas. He noted that the victim was recovered from under 1.5 metres of snow and had been skiing with three companions and one guide at the time of the incident.
Criticism & Opposition
While there has been an outpouring of condolences from the skiing community, some critics have raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for guided tours in avalanche-prone areas. The recent fatalities have sparked discussions about the adequacy of current safety measures and the need for increased awareness regarding avalanche risks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a discrepancy regarding the classification of the avalanche; while some reports refer to it as a class 2 avalanche, others do not specify the classification. Additionally, Avalanche Canada has not yet listed the fatality on its website, which raises questions about the reporting and tracking of avalanche-related incidents.
Verbatim Quotes
“Tragically, the skier was overtaken by the avalanche and was buried by it,” — Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing
“Our guests are like family to us, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the guest that was lost and all involved.” — Dave Pehowich, General Manager, Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing
“I t is a challenging time to be recreating in the mountains right now,” — Tyson Rettie, Avalanche Forecaster
“Urano said the incident is a tragic reminder of how dangerous skiing the backcountry can be and encouraged everyone venturing into the mountains to stay safe and be conservative when taking risks.” — Brett Urano, Revelstoke RCMP
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with backcountry skiing, particularly in areas with significant avalanche danger.
