According to Vancouversun.com, the snowboarder who passed away at Whistler Blackcomb over the weekend had suffocated after falling into deep powder snow. Whistler Blackcomb has received over 7 feet of snow since last week.
The accident occurred on a glade run known as Arthur’s Choice Saturday morning in Blackcomb Resort’s Crystal Ridge area.
It is believed the 27-year-old snowboarder fell and was trapped in the seemingly bottomless snow. Whistler Search and Rescue manager Brad Sills said that, “There is an unconsolidated, deep snowpack.”
“I think he fell face first,” said Sills. “The snow is so light and deep that it can trap a person”, he said. “It is easy in these conditions to fall and not be able to get out.”
Both the Whistler RCMP and the coroner are investigating Saturday’s death.
More on the accident: Snowboarder Dies in Deep Snow at Whistler Ski Resort
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