Avalanche kills backcountry ski guide near Golden, B.C.

A backcountry ski guide was killed in an avalanche while skiing near Glacier National Park northwest of Golden, B.C., on Tuesday afternoon.

The avalanche struck around 5:30 p.m. MT on a slope near Ventego Lake, on the route to Mount Iconoclast, about 25 km northwest of Rogers Pass, according to a statement released by the Sorcerer Lodge, a backcountryski operation located north of Glacier National Park.

It took about 30 minutes to dig out the skier, who was immediately flown to a hospital in Golden. But attempts to revive him were not successful, according to lodge owner Tannis Dakin.

The name of the skier has not been released by police yet, but Dakin confirmed he was an experienced mountain guide who was part of group of highlyexperienced skiers who had been at the lodge in recent days.

Visitors use helicopters to access the lodge from nearby Golden.

The guide had just dropped off his group and was doing some scouting at the time for another tour.

"Our hearts go out to the family of our friend, and we will do all we can to support them at this very difficult time," said Dakin.