UPDATE: Avalanche caused skier to tumble hundreds of metres down slope near Lake Louise

LAKE LOUISE – A ski mountaineer was in critical condition after triggering a small avalanche and tumbling about 550 metres down the southwest ridge of Mount Temple on Thursday morning (June 20).

Parks Canada rescuers say two skiers were climbing the southwest ridge of the 3,544-metre peak – one of the most popular alpine scrambles in Banff National Park – when one of them fell through a cornice at 3,350 metres, triggering a small avalanche.

“One member of the party was boot-packing up the ridge-line when they fell through a cornice,” said James Eastham, a Parks Canada spokesperson for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit in an email.

“The cornice fall triggered a size 2 slab avalanche. The involved party fell approximately 550 metres down steep, rocky terrain and came to rest on top of the avalanche debris.”

The ski mountaineer came to a stop at 2,950 metres.

Eastham said the uninjured party was able to place a cellphone call directly to Parks Canada and request assistance from Parks’ rescue team before descending to his partner and administering first aid.

“The visitor safety team responded and performed a long line rescue of the seriously injured skier and flew them directly to a staging area in Lake Louise where they were transferred to an air ambulance and flown to hospital in Calgary,” he said.

“The uninjured party met the helicopter at a staging area near the base of Mount Temple and was also evacuated to Lake Louise.”

STARS air ambulance was called to Lake Louise and confirmed they transported an approximately 40-year-old man who required support following trauma-related injuries to Foothills Medical Centre.

“I can confirm that the patient was in critical condition during transport,” said Jonah van Driesum, communications officer for STARS.

Within two hours of receiving the initial call for help, the injured skier had been evacuated and transferred to STARS.

“A prompt response like this provides the highest chance for positive outcomes,” said Eastham.

Eastham said the ski mountaineers were experienced and well equipped.

He said mountaineers should be aware that large cornices are still present on ridge-tops throughout Banff National Park.

“Stay well back from the edge of ridge-lines when cornices are present,” he said.

 In this case, the party was able to call Parks Canada for assistance directly with a cellphone.

“Most of Banff National Park lacks cell service and we strongly recommend visitors travelling in the backcountry carry a satellite communications device,” said Eastham.

– With files from Matthew Thompson