Investigation launched at ski resort following fatal accident
An investigation has been launched at a North American ski resort after a holidaymaker died during an evening snowmobile ride.
The 65-year-old smashed into a tree on Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler late on New Year’s Day.
Craig Beattie, general manager of Canadian Wilderness Adventures, said it was the company’s first fatal accident for more than 20 years.
All riders on the Blackcomb Mountain tour are given prior instruction and headlights provide sufficient lighting on the trial, Beattie said.
"They are given an in depth five to 10 minute safety speech and orientation on the snowmobile, like how to operate it and what to expect while on the trail. There are strict rules and regulations for snowmobile speeds and for what we can and cannot do.
"The machine he was riding was a 600 Ace Bombardier, with a maximum 60 horse power. Not a big rocket machine, by any means," Beattie said, adding that the group was going much slower than the permitted 40 kilometres an hour speed limit.
"He was able to find his way up and down the mountain without any incidents. He did good a job while we were practicing different aspects along the way."
The man plunged over an embankment before hitting a tree midway through the tour at about 11.30pm.
His wife, who was riding as a passenger, was taken to hospital in North Vancouver for treatment.
The incident is being investigated by Whistler RCMP and the British Columbia Coroners Service.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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