A weekend of skiing in the Canadian Rockies ended in tragedy when a 47-year-old woman lost her life after falling into deep snow at a popular Alberta resort.
Tragedy on a Beginner-Friendly Slope
The incident occurred on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Sunshine Village Ski Resort near Banff. According to authorities, the woman, whose identity has not been publicly released, was skiing on a popular green run, typically considered suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Despite the run's easier classification, the skier fell into an area of exceptionally deep snow accumulation. The specific circumstances leading to her fall and the exact cause of death are under investigation by the local medical examiner and resort officials.
Resort and Community Response
Sunshine Village management has expressed its deepest condolences to the woman's family and friends. In a statement, resort officials emphasized that ski patrol responded immediately to the incident. The resort is cooperating fully with the investigation to understand the precise sequence of events.
This fatal accident serves as a somber reminder to all winter sports enthusiasts, regardless of skill level. Deep snow, or tree wells, can pose a significant immersion hazard, even on terrain perceived as low-risk. Skiers and snowboarders are advised to always be aware of changing snow conditions, ski with a partner, and stay within designated boundaries.
A Broader Context of Mountain Safety
The death marks a heartbreaking start to the 2025-26 ski season in Alberta. It brings the critical topic of mountain and snow safety back into focus, underscoring that inherent risks exist in all alpine environments. Avalanche awareness often dominates safety discussions, but this incident highlights another potential danger present on even the most groomed runs following heavy snowfall.
As the investigation continues, the skiing community mourns the loss. The woman's family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
