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Banff Festival Talk on Avalanches Killing Climbers

Speakers will include Grant Statham, Chantel Astorga, Will Gadd and others

Over the last 22 years, 43 per cent of all the avalanche fatalities in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks have been climbers and mountaineers Climbers and avalanches are a dangerous mix in Canada’s mountains. On Nov. 3 there will be a panel discussion on the topic at the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

“Avalanches don’t care if you’re climbing or skiing. Still, many people use avalanche safety gear when they ski but not when they climb. Why are winter climbers not compelled to use avalanche beacons, shovels and probes? Should outdoor equipment companies design and market avalanche equipment specifically for climbers? Should climbers accept responsibility for being searchable? When people go missing in the mountains, it’s their loved ones and search and rescue teams who bear the brunt of these decisions.”

Talking will be mountain pros Grant Statham, Will Gadd, Chantel Astorga, and other industry experts. The event will be hosted by Larry Stanier, veteran Canadian mountain guide. Read an interview with Statham here about why ice climbers should carry beacons. Follow Avalanche Canada on Instagram below.

Details

Date: Sun., Nov. 3, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Kinnear Centre Ground Floor Husky Great Hall
Cost: Free
Event: Visit website here

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