A tragic incident at a popular Alberta ski resort has claimed the life of a Toronto woman, highlighting a hidden danger on the slopes. Farah Merchant, 47, died on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff after falling into a pocket of deep, soft snow.
A Fatal Fall on a Beginner Run
The accident occurred on the Banff Avenue green run, a trail typically considered gentle and suitable for beginners. According to resort spokesperson Kendra Scurfield, Merchant succumbed to "deep snow immersion," a phenomenon where a person becomes trapped in loose, deep snow and is unable to breathe or free themselves.
Onlookers witnessed the fall and immediately rushed to help, alerting the resort's snow safety team. Ski patrol arrived on the scene within three minutes. Despite two hours of resuscitation efforts, they were unable to revive Merchant. She was unresponsive when patrol arrived, and it remains unclear if her death was immediate.
Remembering a "Kind Soul"
Farah Merchant was identified by her brother, Faizal, who posted a heartfelt tribute on social media. He described her as a "loving and devoted mother to her son, Liam," and a cherished daughter, sister, and friend.
"She had a kind soul and touched so many lives with her love, warmth, and compassion. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her," the post read, painting a picture of a woman deeply valued by her community.
The Hidden Danger of Deep Snow Immersion
While tree wells are a well-known hazard, deep snow immersion can occur in open areas after significant snowfall. Organizations like Back Country Skiing Canada warn that 90 percent of people trapped in such situations cannot rescue themselves.
The mechanism is one of suffocation: a skier or snowboarder falls headfirst or becomes inverted in light, deep snow, which settles around them like cement. Without immediate assistance from a partner to dig them out, breathing becomes impossible. This risk exists even on groomed, in-bounds runs, especially near the edges or in areas where snow has accumulated.
The death at Sunshine Village serves as a somber reminder for all winter sports enthusiasts to ski with a buddy, stay within sight of each other, and be aware of changing snow conditions, even on terrain rated for beginners.
