Banff Sunshine Village in Banff National Park is hosting its annual snow safety event on March 7 and March 8, 2026. The free event, officially known as Avalanche Awareness Days (or AVI Days), takes place outside the main Day Lodge from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to help residents and visitors stay safe in the mountains.
The program provides hands-on tips for travelling in the backcountry and explains the essential gear needed for the Canadian Rockies, such as beacons, probes, and shovels. This training is especially important this year following several recent fatal avalanches in the region.
Emilio Hrazdira, a 15-year-old student from Calgary, passed away on February 28, 2026, after being caught in an avalanche at Nakiska Ski Area the previous day. Other fatal incidents in Western Canada during late February and early March, including a snowmobile fatality at Kootenay Pass, have led to increased safety warnings for everyone using the mountain trails.
Organizers from Banff Sunshine, along with experts from groups like Avalanche Canada and Backcountry Access (BCA), want to ensure the community has the right knowledge to prevent accidents as the winter ski season continues.
