Deadly summer for hikers in the Rockies

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLocal News Deadly summer for hikers in the Rockies Seven people have died this summer while hiking and climbing in the mountains west of Calgary Author of the article: By Bill Kaufmann Published Sep 22, 2026 Last updated 20 minutes ago 7 minute read Join the conversation Hikers at Barrier Lake lookout overlooking Kananaskis Country in June 2020. SunMedia Article content The urge to bag peaks in the Rockies west of Calgary has come at a high cost this past summer, with seven people losing their lives to treacherous terrain and even the elements. Article content A springtime rife with close calls and edgy rescues foreshadowed what was to come. Article content Article content Steve Holeczi said a small knot of backcountry adventurers who’d headed into the high alpine wilderness north of Lake Louise needed to be rescued in conditions that were hazardous. Article content Article content A spring storm had descended on the party and darkness had fallen, making salvation-by-helicopter impossible. They were able to contact authorities by cellphone. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “It turned out to be a night-time ski touring (rescue) into the spot,” said Holeczi, a visitor safety specialist with Parks Canada. Article content “It could have been quite serious but they were okay.” Article content Another rescue involved a pair of hikers who’d climbed up onto a trail near Lake Louise and lost their way in deep snow. Article content “They ended up getting off route and couldn’t tell where the trail was, they ended up getting above cliffs,” said Holeczi. Article content The duo were able to call for help by cellphone and were ultimately whisked off the precipice by helicopter. Article content At around the same time last spring, hikers navigating an area on the back side of Sulphur Mountain near the Banff townsite experienced similar difficulties and required rescue, said Holeczi. Article content “The key message is, it’s still winter up there (in spring) and there’s also avalanche terrain that can affect trails,” he said. Article content The top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff was…