Three backcountry skiers were fined after touring in a closed area of Glacier National Park last winter.
Two men and a women, all Albertans in their 30s, were caught skiing in the McGill Shoulder winter permit area while it was closed on Dec. 30, 2016.
Federal prosecutor Amanda Strangways told the court that two avalanche technicians spotted the trio skiing in the area while it was closed for avalanche control. The technicians went down to the parking lot and charged the three people with violating the National Parks Act by engaging in a restricted or prohibited activity.
The trio all pleaded guilty. “They have no desire to jeopardize the permit system,” said lawyer Amy Schalles.
Strangways also said two members of the party were caught skiing in the same area without a permit two days earlier and were told about the permit system by a warden. Because of that, they were fined $700 each, while the third member of the part was fined $500.
McGill Shoulder is a restricted area that can only be skied when Parks Canada marks it as open. A permit is required to ski there when it is open.