Aussie snowboarder killed in avalanche in Canada

An Australian snowboarder has died after being caught up in an avalanche in Canada together with a male companion.

The scenic Whistler village with snowy Blackcomb mountain in background. Picture: iStock

An Australian snowboarder has died after being caught up in an avalanche in Canada.

The tragic incident happened in the Whistler Blackcomb ski area on Thursday local time.

The resort confirmed a 42-year-old woman from NSW was caught in an avalanche along with her 36-year-old male companion, C-Fox reports.

The snowboarders were in a permanently closed area above Lakeside Bowl on Blackcomb Mountain, the news outlet reports.

The couple survived the avalanche and were able to call for help.

The woman was taken to Whistler Health Care Centre just before 2.30pm (local time) but later died from her injuries.

The male was later rescued from the area and is believed to be in a stable condition.

Avalanche Canada has reported that a “skier” triggered an avalanche on “a steep, rocky, south-facing slope near Whistler,” but would not give any further details.

The male and female triggered a Class 1 avalanche, Whistler Blackcomb said in a news release.

“Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest’s family and friends,” said Pete Sonntag, Whistler Blackcomb COO.

Both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Coroner’s Service were notified and the Coroner’s Service is investigating.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said consular assistance was being provided to the family of the woman. Owing to privacy obligations the spokesperson said they were unable to provide further comment.

Originally published as Aussie snowboarder killed in avalanche in Canada