"Avalanche, Avalanche!": Skier Caught By Fast-Moving Slide Near Banff

On Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, Parks Canada Visitor Safety responded to a skier-triggered avalanche in Banff National Park, Canada.

A size D2 avalanche was triggered in the Lake Louise Ski Area backcountry on a west-facing slope at 2450m of elevation (8,038ft.) on a run called 'Vortex.' The skier who triggered the slide was carried to the bottom and buried up to their waist by the slide. They lost both skis but were otherwise uninjured.

Mountain Safety, Parks Canada reported on the incident via their social media page with the above details. It was also noted that the avalanche was caused by the failure of a deep, persistent slab layer formed by facets. This layer was near a crust layer from November, and close to the ground.

Parks Canada reminded folks in its post that avalanches can occur at any time on slopes above 30 degrees, regardless of current danger ratings. Additionally, all visitors to Parks Canada (and skiing in the backcountry) should be prepared with the correct skills, education, and knowledge, equipment, and experience to analyze terrain and self-rescue if necessary.

Skiing with a partner in the backcountry is also highly recommended.

Tap or click to watch the skier trigger and be carried away by the large, fast-moving avalanche. The avalanche is triggered at the 27-second mark of the video. Click the 'Expand' arrows for a full-screen view.

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Avalanche Canada has the avalanche danger currently rated as Moderate in the alpine, and Low at and below treeline. However, the deep persistent slab problem is present at all elevations, and the forecast notes that these basal facets remain near the ground.

Particularly on the eastern side of the forecast areas, thin-to-thick snowpack transition areas remain a major concern.

The forecast for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, notes that the slide appears to have been triggered by the 7th set of tracks down Vortex, and that it occurred on a particularly thin spot of snow.

A skier also triggered a large avalanche in Colorado on January 18th and cited "numerous mistakes" that led to the slide. Despite a prolonged period of high pressure across much of the West, avalanche danger still exists in many areas.

As Parks Canada noted, make sure you have the proper equipment (beacon, probe, shovel, buddy) and knowledge before heading into the backcountry, and if you don't know, don't go.