Teenager Dies in Avalanche at Ski Area Near Calgary, Canada
A 15-year-old boy died late last week after being buried in an avalanche at Nakiska Ski Area in Alberta, Canada, according to local news reports.
The avalanche happened on Friday, February 27, 2026, the CBC reported, leading to a call to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who responded alongside other emergency services around 12:45 p.m.
Per the CBC, an initial report from the RCMP said that the avalanche struck and buried two skiers. One was able to dig themself out and wasn’t injured. First responders rescued the second, but he died after being transported to a hospital.
The Calgary Board of Education said the boy was Emilio Hrazdira, who went to Queen Elizabeth High School, according to the CBC.
“A loss such as this may affect individuals in different ways, and it is important to seek support when needed. Students are encouraged to speak with their family members about their feelings and to lean on trusted supports as they process this loss,” the board said.
According to Avalanche Canada, the two were “bootpacking up a slope” when they triggered the avalanche, a size two wind slab. Size two avalanches are large enough to bury, kill, or injure a person and, typically, can fill the first floor of a large house with about six feet of debris.
The Alberta Alpine Ski Association said in a statement that the skiers involved were both members of its programs:
“We are heartbroken and profoundly saddened by this tragic loss of life, and we extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family as they navigate this unimaginable grief.
Our entire community is shaken by this event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the athletes, their families, teammates, and coaches during this incredibly difficult time. We recognize that this situation has had a profound impact on many, and we are committed to ensuring appropriate support is available to those affected.”
Alpine Canada also shared a statement, writing, that it “will work with the Alberta Alpine Ski Association to help support the club and their members as they navigate this heart-wrenching time.”
Nakiska Ski Area
The death came amid elevated avalanche danger across Western Canada. A day after the accident at Nakiska, on Saturday, an avalanche hit two snowmobilers on Kootenay Pass. Both were buried, and one didn’t survive, according to a report published by Avalanche Canada.
In forecasting zones throughout the region, the avalanche danger remains “moderate” or “considerable,” level two and three of the five-level North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale.