Heli-skier death near Golden, B.C., prompts investigation<\/p>\n
Published 11:15 am Monday, March 16, 2026<\/p>\n
A heli-skiing company based in Golden is confirming that a guest died last Saturday, while on a guided expedition in the Columbia Mountains, due to a tree well incident.<\/p>\n
In a release sent to Black Press Media, Great Canadian Heli-Skiing (GCH) reported that the single fatality occurred March 14 in the northern Selkirk Mountains.<\/p>\n
Wells under a tree\u2019s branches don\u2019t get as much snow as their surroundings, resulting in holes or loose snow around the tree trunk that can endanger recreationists.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individual who passed away,\u201d read the release, which was prepared by PR agency Coast Communications and Public Affairs.<\/p>\n
READ: Avalanche kills man heli-skiing in Selkirk Mountains with Revelstoke company<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected \u2014 their loved ones, our guests, and our entire team. The sorrow we feel is beyond words, and it is shared by every member of the Great Canadian Heli-Skiing family.\u201d<\/p>\n Golden & District Hospital and local authorities were engaged in the emergency response after the skier was extracted from the backcountry.<\/p>\n \u201cThe guests and guides who ski with us each season are part of our family,\u201d GCH added. \u201cEnsuring the safety of our guests, staff, and guides is the most important work we do and our highest priority.\u201d<\/p>\n However, the company said it\u2019s impossible to eliminate 100 per cent of risk when heli- or backcountry skiing. Tree well incidents are known to be a serious hazard, GCH noted, and its team \u201ctrains extensively for rapid response.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEnsuring the safety of our guests, staff, and guides is the most important work we do and our highest priority,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n GCH shared its cooperation with the BC Coroners Service and RCMP as they investigate the death. Michaela Konken, public relations consultant for Coast Communications, confirmed that GCH has continued heli-ski operations following the incident.<\/p>\n For now, guests are being offered counselling and support from a critical incident stress management team, which engages skiers after traumatic events, according to the release. Leading this response is HeliCat Canada, which represents the country\u2019s heli-ski sector.<\/p>\n In a separate release provided by Coast Communications, HeliCat Canada said it offers its deepest condolences to the victim\u2019s family and friends and is extending full support to GCH.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough we know there are risks to activities like heli-skiing, as there are risks for the many activities that we love and enjoy in the backcountry, it does not decrease our sadness and sense of loss when an accident occurs,\u201d HeliCat Canada said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur priority is providing assistance and support to everyone who was affected, and we are actively doing that.\u201d<\/p>\n