Three Swiss Die in BC Heliskiing Avalanche

Three Swiss nationals died in an avalanche while heliskiing in northwestern British Columbia on Sunday, with their guide sustaining serious injuries that required surgery.

The incident occurred on Mount Knauss, north of Terrace, burying the three skiers and their guide under snow. Officials with the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver confirmed the victims' nationalities on Tuesday. Silvana Renggli, a representative from the consulate, stated in an email that the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is offering support to the families affected by the slide. Further details about the individuals were withheld to respect privacy.

The group was part of a tour operated by White Wilderness Heliskiing, a local outfitter based in the region. Michael Brackenhofer, a company official, reported that the skiers and guide were located and rescued from the snow within 15 minutes of the avalanche. The guide was airlifted to a hospital in Vancouver for surgical treatment of injuries sustained in the burial. The three clients did not survive.

In response to the tragedy, White Wilderness Heliskiing suspended all operations indefinitely pending the outcome of investigations....