Bodies of climbers recovered after Banff avalanche last week
The three climbers were highly experienced
The bodies of three professional mountaineers who are among the most accomplished of their generation were recovered on Sunday after an avalanche in Banff National Park last Wednesday.
One American male, Jess Roskelley, and two Austrian males, David Lama and Hansjörg Auer, were attempting to climb the remote and rocky east face of Howse Peak on the Icefields Parkway when the avalanche occurred last Wednesday.
The mountaineers were attempting to climb the east face of Howse Peak, which is icy, rocky, and in a highly remote location. The route has only been climbed once before.
Howse Peak, pictured above, is located in Banff National Park. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
It took days for officials to complete their investigation because of the heightened avalanche risk due to mild conditions.
"Parks Canada extends our sincere condolences to their families, friends and loved ones," Parks Canada said. "We would also like to acknowledge the impact that this has had on the tight-knit, local and international climbing communities."