Skier Causes In-Bounds Avalanche At Canadian Resort

Ian Greenwood
·2 min read
1

Earlier this week, skier JJ Vinet had a close encounter while riding in Revelstoke Mountain Resort, British Columbia.

Near the end of his ski day, Vinet dropped in below Revelstoke's Subpeak and set off a small in-bounds avalanche.

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A post shared by JJ (Jonathon) Vinet (@jj_vinet)

In the comments section of his post, Vinet explained that he skied this run right before Revelstoke's patrol team closed it. The winds were blowing between 18 and 30 mph during his ski day. High winds are a natural factor that can load the snow surface and increase slide risk.

In-bounds avalanches are obviously less-than-ideal. A large portion of modern ski patrollers' work entails setting off avalanche bombs and otherwise controlling in-bounds terrain so that it's safe for skiers to ride.

Still, slides happen. Just because you're in the resort doesn't mean you should completely throw your avalanche knowledge and awareness out the window. If it's deep, heading out with your beacon, shovel, and probe never hurts.

While I've never encountered an in-bounds slide, plenty of my friends have had run-ins like Vinet. Thankfully, these slides were relatively minor compared to their larger and scarier backcountry cousins—an indicator that the patrol team knows what they're doing at any given resort.

The avalanche risk in the Revelstoke area is "considerable," according to Avalanche Canada. Wind slabs and the ever-dreaded persistent slab are the primary avalanche problems, mainly above treeline.

As always, know before you go. Avalanche training and gear aren't optional, particularly for those planning to head into the backcountry. It's on you to make the right decisions and come home safe.

Related: Lake Tahoe Ski Resort Adds "Surprise" Lift To The Mix As More Terrain Opens

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