Woman Dies in Tree Well Fall at Sunshine Village

A 47-year-old woman from Toronto died Saturday afternoon after falling into a pocket of deep snow while skiing on a beginner-level run at Sunshine Village ski resort in Banff National Park, Alberta.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. local time on the Banff Avenue trail, a green run considered suitable for novice skiers due to its gentle slope connecting the main ski area to the base parking lot and gondola. Officials identified the victim as Farah Merchant. Alberta RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff stated that first responders, including local paramedics and a STARS air ambulance team from Calgary, were dispatched to the scene just after 3:30 p.m. following reports of an injured skier.

Bystanders witnessed Merchant veer off the side of the run into a treed area with deep, loose snow, known as a tree well or snow immersion zone. These hazards form at the base of trees where low branches prevent snow from settling evenly, creating hidden voids that can trap and suffocate individuals who fall in. Kendra Scurfield, a spokesperson for Sunshine Village, confirmed the resort's snow safety patrol was alerted within minutes and arrived on site three minutes later. Patrol members found Merchant...