Two skiers dead in separate Alberta avalanches

Two skiers are dead after two separate avalanches near Lake Louise and in Kananaskis on Friday afternoon.

Emergency crews were called to an out of bounds area near the Lake Louise Ski Resort around 3:45 p.m. for reports of an avalanche.

Avalanche Canada says two skiers were skiing the Pipestone Bowl and were working their way back to the main ski area when one of them triggered an avalanche.

That skier was carried 50 metres and buried in more than 150 centimetres of snow. The second skier was able to dig out the first skier and initiate first aid, according to Avalanche Canada.

Parks Canada located the pair and evacuated them to ground crew paramedics. The skier that was buried was pronounced dead by paramedics, according to EMS.

Lake Louise Ski Resort was being used as a staging area for the rescue and Mounties are at the scene helping emergency crews locate anyone else who may have been in the area.

RCMP have asked for the public’s help to find anyone stranded and to report anyone who has not checked in with friends or family.

“RCMP are asking for the public to follow instructions from all first responders and staff of the resort, and to have patience while we make all efforts to locate and rescue anyone in need,” reads a statement.

The ski resort says Parks Canada is leading the rescue with assistance from RCMP, the Lake Louise Fire Dept., Search and Rescue, local ski patrol, resort staff, paramedics, and STARS air ambulance.

Anyone with information is being urged to call Lake Louise RCMP at 403-522-3812, or local police.

Kananaskis avalanche leaves one dead

EMS tell Citynews another skier is dead after a separate avalanche in Kananaskis on Friday.

Emergency crews were called to an area north of the Black Prince day use area along Highway 742 around 4 p.m.

Alpine helicopters retrieved a skier and brought them down to ground paramedics. The skier was pronounced dead once on the ground.

No other injuries were reported.