Skier dies at Whistler Blackcomb ski resort

A skier has died at the popular B.C. resort of Whistler Blackcomb. 

RCMP say the 32-year-old Whistler resident became separated from her husband in a treed area on Blackcomb Mountain on Tuesday morning.

He reported her missing around 10:40 a.m. PT, the resort said in a statement. 

The resort's ski patrol were searching for her when she was found unresponsive in a tree well near the Expressway and Last Resort runs in the Seventh Heaven area by a member of the public about 40 minutes later.

Blackcomb ski patrol, a mountain doctor, a paramedic and a nurse-practitioner attempted to resuscitate her, but police say she was pronounced dead on the mountain.

Skier was resort employee

The resort says the dead skier was an off-duty employee, although the resort wouldn't say in what capacity she worked there.

"Whistler Blackcomb wishes to express its sincerest condolences to friends, family and co-workers for this sad loss," the company said in a statement. 

A tree well is an area of loose snow around the trunk of a tree enveloped in deep snow, and it can pose a danger to skiers and snowboarders. 

In most cases, a skier would tip in head-first into a tree well, said Whistler RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair. If the sides of the tree well collapse on top of the skier, they could suffocate under the falling snow.