Tragic Avalanche Claims Lives of Three Skiers in British Columbia

On Monday, March 24, 2025, a catastrophic avalanche struck a group of heli-skiers in the Kootenays region of British Columbia, Canada. The incident unfolded around 1:00 p.m., claiming the lives of three experienced skiers while a fourth member of the group suffered critical injuries. The skiers were part of a guided tour by Stellar Heli Skiing, known for its off-trail skiing experiences. Local officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

Details of the Incident

• The avalanche occurred near Kootenay Lake, just before 1:00 p.m.
• The deceased skiers included Jason Remple, 53, owner of Stellar Heli Skiing; Jeff Keenan, 44, a professional snowboarder; and Alex Pashley, 45, a Global Sports Marketing Manager for The North Face.
• A 40-year-old man from Nelson, B.C., was the only survivor, found critically injured and airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Witness Accounts and Rescue Efforts

Eyewitness accounts reveal that a transport helicopter was approaching the area when the pilot observed the avalanche and sounded the alarm. Some skiers were able to escape, while the group of four was caught in the avalanche.

• Mark Jennings-Bates, manager of Kaslo Search and Rescue, noted that the victims were all highly skilled skiers.
• Rescue teams worked quickly but found three of the four skiers unresponsive upon excavation from the snow.

The Aftermath and Community Response

Stellar Heli Skiing expressed its condolences in a public statement, acknowledging the impact of the tragedy on the community:

“The entire team at Stellar Heli Skiing extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy,” the company stated.

Safety Concerns and Avalanche Conditions

On the day of the incident, Avalanche Canada had issued a Level 4 avalanche danger rating for the Kootenay Lake area, indicating heightened risk.

• The group was skiing in a designated area known for its challenging terrain.
• Weather conditions leading up to the avalanche were reported to be unstable.

The investigation into the avalanche, led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is ongoing as authorities scrutinize the factors that contributed to this unfortunate event.

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers involved in extreme sports like heli-skiing. Heliskiing enthusiasts and safety advocates alike emphasize the necessity of caution and respect for the natural environment.

Conclusion

The loss of three skilled skiers has left a profound impact on the heli-skiing community and those who knew them. As investigations proceed, the skiing community is urged to take heed of safety warnings and remain vigilant in these high-risk environments.

Keywords: British Columbia avalanche, heli-skiing tragedy, Kootenays skiing incident, avalanche safety, Stellar Heli Skiing, skiing community response

Hashtags: #Avalanche #Skiing #HeliSkiing #BritishColumbia #Kootenays #SkiSafety

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