Updated Jan 10 at 11 a.m.
A man is dead after falling into a sink hole and being buried in snow at Fernie Alpine Resort.
Elk Valley RCMP arrived at the hill on Jan. 8, to find B.C Ambulance transporting a 67-year-old man to hospital. The man had been buried under the snow after falling into a natural terrain trap at the very top of the mountain on Polar Peak.
According to Resorts of the Canadian Rockies senior vice president Matt Mosteller, the man was initially discovered by a visitor who had come across him unresponsive, and Fernie Alpine Patrol was called in to provide medical assistance and help get the man off the mountain.
Ski patrol and B.C Ambulance went to significant efforts to keep the man alive, using an AED device on him initially. He was transported to hospital and after several hours of unsuccessful attempts to improve his condition, he was removed from life support. The man's family was with him in his final moments.
"Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incredibly difficult time, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and people in the community impacted by this," said Mosteller.
Elk Valley RCMP Sgt. Svend Nielsen said weather conditions on the hill were a likely cause of the incident.
"It is believed poor visibility at that time led the man into a naturally occurring terrain trap underneath one of the first lift towers of the Polar Peak lift," he said.
The spot the man was found in had a naturally-occurring 20 by 30 foot wide oval-shaped sink hole filled with loose and undisturbed snow.
Elk Valley RCMP is assisting the B.C Coroner Service with their investigation. Police offer condolences to the family during this difficult time, who continue to be supported by RCMP Victim Services.
