Early season snow conditions appear to have claimed the life of a 47-year-old skier who died at Whistler Mountain on Wednesday, the RCMP said in a release. It's the second death this week on the mountain.
The man was skiing Christmas Eve in an area that was open to the public, then headed into an open adjacent side area with fresh snow. He hit some large rocks and was severely injured. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Whistler RCMP said the incident occurred on the upper Dave Murray Downhill run, an area that is open to the public. The area had been posted with signs warning of unmarked rocks and obstacles due to early season conditions.
Earlier this week, a 17-year-old experienced snowboarder died on Whistler Mountain after hitting a boulder. He was an area that is normally open to the public, but was closed that day due to snow conditions.
Skiers are being reminded to enjoy the ski area responsibly and to stay on marked runs, particularly during the current period as there is a less than average snow pack.
Police are continuing their investigation and are in the process of interviewing witnesses to the incident.
The family of the skier has been notified and his name is not being released at this time.
