At approximately 10:30 a.m. the skier – whose name cannot be disclosed until notification of next of kin – was skiing on Millennium when she lost control, veered off the run and struck a tree on the side of the trail.
The girl was skiing with her father and there were a number of skiers in the vicinity who responded immediately. Ski Patrol arrived within minutes and initiated CPR.
At 10:52 a.m. the skier and her father were airlifted by helicopter to the Invermere District Hospital where the girl passed away due to head and internal injuries.
Conditions on the mountain were overcast with light snow. Visibility was excellent and the snow surface on the trail was soft and groomed. The skier was wearing a helmet at the time.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family,” said CEO and President of Panorama Mountain Village, Steve Paccagnan. “This is a tragic accident and we are doing everything we can to assist the family during this trying time.
“We are all deeply saddened by this event and I want to thank the entire Emergency Response Team for their quick response and professionalism. They did all they could to save this little girl.”