BANFF NATIONAL PARK, Canada – A skier was left critically injured after a near 2,100 foot (650 meter) fall down Mount Temple in Canada’s Banff National Park last week. According to CTV News, Parks Canada was called to help on June 20 after the skier broke through a cornice and fell while climbing up the southwest ridge of the mountain.
“The visitor safety team responded and performed a long line rescue of the seriously injured skier and flew them directly to a staging area in Lake Louise where they were transferred to an air ambulance and flown to hospital in Calgary.” – spokesperson for Parks Canada’s Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay James Eastham
A STARS air ambulance flew the skier, a 40-year-old man, to Calgary. He was in a critical condition, suffering from injuries related to trauma. According to spokesperson James Eastham, the skiers were properly equipped for the terrain.
“Generally, this spring has been cool and wet, and snow is lingering above treeline in most areas of the park. It can cover trails and makes navigation difficult. Hardpacked snow can be slippery when frozen leading to slips and falls. Snow is often frozen and easy to walk on in the morning, but becomes unsupportive as temperatures rise, this can lead to post holing through deep snow which can cause exhaustion. Losing shoes is also possible.”
