A tragic incident occurred over the weekend at a Banff ski resort, where a 47-year-old Toronto skier lost her life while skiing on a marked trail. Despite the trail being categorized as easy, the skier fell into deep snow near a green-level trail, leading to a fatal outcome despite efforts by first responders to resuscitate her.
Although the exact cause of the skier’s death remains unconfirmed, one possible scenario is snow immersion suffocation (SIS), where a person becomes trapped and suffocates after falling into a tree well or deep snow. SIS can occur rapidly, with instances reported where individuals suffocated within just 10 to 12 minutes of becoming trapped in snow.
SIS incidents are not limited to backcountry areas but can also happen in treed sections of ski resorts. Statistics show that a significant percentage of SIS cases involve individuals falling into tree wells or deep powder snow. Sticking to groomed runs can significantly reduce the risk of tree well accidents, according to experts.
To prevent snow immersion incidents, skiers are advised to be cautious when skiing in deep powder or near trees and to always ski with a partner. Maintaining visual contact with your skiing partner is crucial in case of emergencies. It is recommended to carry a whistle, have access to local ski patrol numbers, and ensure cell phone coverage while skiing.
In the event of witnessing someone trapped in deep snow, immediate action is essential. Instead of trying to pull the person out, experts recommend digging a tunnel towards the individual’s head to create an airway. Additionally, if caught in a situation where falling into deep snow is inevitable, individuals are advised to avoid going inverted and try to grab onto surrounding objects to prevent suffocation.
Remaining calm, conserving air, and creating space around the face to keep the airway clear are crucial steps if one finds themselves buried in snow. Experts emphasize the importance of avoiding the need to rely on self-rescue techniques and stress the significance of preventative measures to steer clear of such dangerous situations in the first place.