Ski runs closed because of avalanche risk

WHISTLER, British Columbia, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- A ski resort in western Canada where two skiers were killed by avalanches closed more of its runs Friday because of growing danger.

Whistler Blackcomb officials also warned skiers that those who ignore the restrictions face penalties that could include the cancellation of passes, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported. The men who died Wednesday and Thursday were skiing in closed areas.

Employees at the resort in British Columbia were at the closed runs Friday to turn skiers away.

The Canadian Avalanche Center issued a strong warning Thursday of "unstable and unusual" conditions in much of British Columbia.

"Don't let the fresh snow and brief periods of sunshine lure you into typical big slopes and steep chutes," the warning said. "It's important to be patient and make conservative terrain choices for the time being."

Last weekend, 11 friends on snowmobiles near Fernie were buried by an avalanche. Three men managed to dig themselves out while eight died.