The town of Sparwood isn't far from where I live and I am sure you have all heard about the 8 snowmobilers that were all lost in avalanche. I just watched a video interview with one of the 3 guys that made it out. It is the saddest thing I have ever seen. I am not a fan of backcountry snowmobiles but I sure feel sorry for them anyway. Such a sad thing to happen.
Comment Guidelines
We welcome your feedback on Houseandhome.com. H&H reserves the right to remove any unsuitable personal remarks made about the bloggers, hosts, homeowners and/or guests we feature. Please keep your comments focused on decorating, design, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Adopt a tone you would be willing to use in person and do not make slanderous remarks or use denigrating language. If you see a comment that you believe violates any of the guidelines outlined above, please click “Alert a Moderator.” Thank you.
They were well trained expercienced riders with all the latest equipment but nothing could ave them. The one fellow was able to dig himself out twice and had to leave his friend partly buried while they ran for their lives when a third slide came down. They wer not hit and were able to go back a help their friend that was pleading with them not to leave him. They were all friends that had known each other since a very young age. I am not religous at all but I know there are some out there that are and anything anyone can do right now helps the families.
I concur Tangotori. There was nothing to indicate this was part of the problem. Outdoor sports are often dangerous. Often athletes of all kinds push the limits thinking that they are aware and safe. These fellows thought they had taken all the right percautions.
This is very sad for many families. They will need lots of strength to get through this.
Arizona - please don't make assumptions. Really.
It is such an awful tragedy, my heart goes out to all of them.
They had all the safety gear, the beacons, shovels, poles, even the thingy that automatically gives you an air bubble to breathe so you won't be suffocated until you can get out.
They knew conditions were bad, so they were staying at the bottom of the hill and not climbing it at all. I guess that is the piece of misinformation that cost them their lives - that staying at the bottom would be safe.
The noise and vibration of the snowmobiles was obviously enough to set off the avalanches even though they weren't climbing the snow pack.
There was a father and son, that poor mother has lost them both, and a couple had young families. It just breaks my heart. There have been so many tragedies here in BC this holiday. Be safe everyone.
That really is a big hit for a small town. I haven't heard for sure but I would suspect locals who snowmobile all the time would have checked conditions just because they of all people, have a healthy respect for the mountains (can't say the same for dip sticks who just drive out to tear up the terrain though). Even experienced folks get surprised by them though.
I'm not religious at all but this was a terrible thing to happen. I feel so sorry for everyone in the community.
It's an awful thing to have happen at this time of year especially. How are their families ever supposed to have a Merry Christmas ever again? I still haven't heard what possessed them to go off like that when they all knew the dangers. I'm making the assumption they were all drunk and not thinking rationally.