Skier dug out after avalanche

VANCOUVER (CP) — Rescue officials in British Columbia say skiers rescued from an avalanche in Cypress Provincial Park could have died had they not been carrying proper gear.

North Shore Rescue posted on its Facebook page that the men were in the backcountry on Hollyburn Mountain when one of the skiers triggered an avalanche. He was swept down approximately 120 metres over a cliff and was buried in Tony Baker Gully.

They say the second skier found his partner using a beacon and probe, and then dug through nearly two metres of snow to reach his face so he could breathe.

North Shore Rescue sent crews to locate the pair and provide medical care at the scene until they could be airlifted out.

North Shore Rescue says the man is now in hospital in serious condition.

Avalanche Canada had issued warnings for the alpine and treeline areas of South Coast mountains, including Cypress, this weekend. The organization said naturally occurring avalanches were possible, while human-triggered events were likely.

Man found dead after avalanche near Whistler

WHISTLER — RCMP say a man is dead after an avalanche Saturday near Whistler.

Sgt. Annie Linteau said police were notified about a slide at Callaghan Valley just before noon. She said 14 people were reported to be involved at the time the avalanche occurred.

RCMP and Whistler Search and Rescue sent crews to the remote location, which could only be accessed by helicopter and snowmobile, and the body of a 32-year-old man was recovered shortly before 4 p.m.