A well known ski guide died is dead following an avalanche at a backcountry lodge northeast of Revelstoke on Tuesday.
According to various media reports, Robson Gmoser, 45, the son of legendary mountain guide Hans Gmoser, and an accomplished guide himself, was the victim of an avalanche near Sorcerer Lodge in the Selkirk Mountains on Mar. 10 at around 5:30 p.m.
According to Robson Gmoser’s company’s website WildTrips.ca, Gmoser was scheduled to act as a guide for a week of ski touring out of Sorcerer Lodge from Mar. 7–14.
According to the Globe and Mail, Gmoser was descending a slope when the avalanche occurred. He was buried under 1.5 metres of snow.
Gmoser was dug out of the snow and transported to Golden Hospital by helicopter, but he could not be revived.
“Our hearts go out to the family of our friend, and we will do all we can to support them at this very difficult time,” said Tannis Dakin, the owner of Sorcerer Lodge in a statement to the media.
The avalanche hazard in the area has been rated low in recent days, though the danger rating in the alpine for Glacier National Park and the North Columbia region was raised to moderate on Wednesday.
The Glacier National Park avalanche bulletin issued Wednesday morning noted warm temperatures and strong sun triggered moist snow avalanches up to size two on Tuesday. The fatal slide, which occurred near the park boundaries, was not noted in the bulletin.
Gmoser owned Battle Abbey Lodge and guided trips throughout Canada. He lived in Canmore, Alta. His father Hans was the founder of Canadian Mountain Holidays and is considered the inventor of helicopter skiing.
The BC Coroners Service is investigating the incident.
