Skier Escapes Injury in Lake Louise Avalanche, Video Shows

On Tuesday, Jan 18, 2026, a backcountry skier was caught in a size‑2 avalanche on the Vortex run outside the Lake Louise ski‑area boundary in Banff National Park. The avalanche – classified by Avalanche Canada as a deep persistent slab – reached about 2,450 m elevation and buried the skier to waist level before she was swept down the slope. Video released by Parks Canada shows the skier emerging uninjured, with bare rock exposed and rocks broken in the wake of the snow. Avalanche forecaster Tyson Rettie warned that such deep slabs are hard to forecast and can release large, destructive avalanches. Yamnuska Mountain School guide Barry Blanchard noted the skier’s luck and the moderate avalanche danger rating for the Bow Valley. Experts advise carrying rescue gear and checking daily forecasts.