Snowboarder dies after falling off a cliff in Whistler

WHISTLER (NEWS 1130) — A man in his 20s has died after falling off a cliff while snowboarding at Whistler, according to the RCMP.

Police and paramedics were called in Thursday after reports that a man had “fallen off an edge at the top of the Whistler portion of Whistler Blackcomb,” according to a release.

“Throughout the investigation, in conjunction with Whistler Blackcomb ski patrol, staff and the BC Coroners Service it was determined that the man was in the Whistler alpine at the top of the Peak chair when he fell approximately 20 metres off a cliff.”

This is the fourth fatality in the Sea to Sky region in the last two weeks. Two snow bikers were killed in an avalanche in Pemberton on Dec. 29. On New Year’s Eve, a skier died after falling into a tree well in the Whistler backcountry.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and those who worked tirelessly to try and save this young man,” Sgt. Sascha Banks writes.

“As we have seen in the past few weeks unfortunate incidents can happen to the most experienced adventures…please take that extra moment, that extra check of your surroundings and ensure you have all your safety equipment.”