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Golden skier caught in fatal avalanche in park

Experienced backcountry skier identified as local killed in Banff National Park
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Trevor Sexsmith

Golden Star Staff

reporter@thegoldenstar.net

Golden resident Trevor Sexsmith has been identified as the skier killed in an incident in Banff National Park last week.

Parks Canada visitor safety specialists in Banff National Park responded to an avalanche incident involving a skier on Mount Victoria near Lake Louise on Sunday, September 25.

Sexsmith was part of a group of two that had set out that morning to ascend Mount Victoria. Parks Canada was alerted to the incident at approximately 10:00 a.m., after the Sexsmith's companion was able to reach the viewpoint trail above Plain of Six Glaciers tea house to seek help.

He and his partner had decided to turn back mid-way through their ascent due to strong winds and poor conditions. On their descent, he was caught in an avalanche.

Initial recovery operations on Sunday were not possible due to strong winds. The recovery operation resumed at first light on Monday morning. Parks Canada visitor safety staff were able to recover the victim.

Parks Canada safety spokesperson Tim Haggarty reported that Sexsmith triggered a "slab avalanche" classified as size one. Although technically a small avalanche, it was able to push the skier off of a cliff.

Sexsmith was an avid backcountry skier, and blogger, detailing his adventures at perpetualski.ca.