Quantitative assessment of risks involved in mechanized skiing in Canada

Helicopter and snowcat skiing in the backcountry involves different hazards such as avalanches, tree wells or helicopter incidents, which can result in serious injuries or even death. While the risk associated with avalanche involvements is well understood, no systematic analyses have been conducted on the other risks. In this project, we will gather all the historic information about serious accidents which has been recorded by member operators of HeliCat Canada (trade association of the helicopter and snowcat skiing industry) to quantitatively determine the risks associated with the various hazards. The results will help operators to better address existing operational weaknesses and develop evidence based approaches for reducing the risks for guides and guests while travelling in the backcountry. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Pascal Haegeli

Student:

Matthias Walcher

Partner:

HeliCat Canada

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Sports and recreation

University:

Simon Fraser University