Pro Skier Maxim Arsenault Dies in Alaska/B.C. Avalanche Yesterday

Maxim Arsenault, a professional skier from Whistler, B.C., died in an avalanche in the Haines Pass area (B.C./Alaska border) yesterday morning in British Columbia, Canada.

Maxim was a part of a four person film crew who were filming in the area.

Officials were notified of the avalanche accident on Wednesday morning.  Rescuers arrived by helicopter from Atlin, B.C. (50 miles by air) and had to hike for 15 minutes to reach Maxim.

“The victim had fallen from a short cliff, about 30 feet, fell on a terrain trap and got buried by a small slide that he most likely triggered by himself.” – Philippe Brient, of Atlin Search and Rescue.

Brient went on to report that the film crew had been able to partially dig out Maxim before rescuers arrived, but Maxim was already dead.

27 people have died in avalanches in the USA this winter.

10 people have died in avalanches in Canada this winter.

“I felt like I was dodging bullets all season long.” – Maxim Arsenault, talking about this experience with avalanche danger in 2014

Maxim just posted this about skiing in B.C/AK on Monday:

Video of Maxim skiing and talking about avalanche danger from 2014: