Skier dies in crevasse fall at Columbia Icefield near Jasper

Parks Canada released details about a fatal fall at the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park earlier this month, underscoring the hazards that even experienced mountain users face in remote alpine terrain.

On May 12, a 38-year-old skier of Czech citizenship, who was living in Revelstoke, B.C., was descending the Athabasca Glacier with two backcountry snowboarders when he fell 25 metres into an ice crevasse near the south ridge of Mount Andromeda. The group was equipped for crevasse rescue and attempted to assist, but multiple surrounding crevasses prevented them from safely reaching the victim.

At around 5:15 p.m., the group called Parks Canada dispatch. Visitor safety specialists from Jasper and Banff National Parks arrived along with RCMP and emergency responders. Nearly two and a half hours later, safety specialists descended into the crevasse and confirmed the skier had died from injuries sustained in the fall.

Recovery of the body was not immediately possible due to weather conditions and the remote location. On May 14, Parks Canada's visitor safety specialists retrieved the body.

The incident is being treated as a sudden death with no foul play suspected. Parks Canada is leading the investigation with RCMP assistance.

The Columbia Icefield is a popular but highly hazardous landscape. Parks Canada warned that accidents can occur even when visitors have experience and training. The agency emphasized that anyone exploring the backcountry must be properly equipped and familiar with safe glacier travel, navigation, and rescue techniques. Trip planning should include checking Avalanche Canada forecasts and leaving itineraries with emergency contacts.

For Calgarians who venture into the mountain backcountry, the incident serves as a stark reminder that training and preparation, while essential, cannot eliminate all risk in alpine environments.