Two massive avalanches struck the backcountry region of Elk Valley, near Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, on December 28, 2008, trapping a group of eleven snowmobilers. Seven bodies have thus far been recovered, and three of the snowmobilers were rescued.CNN: 3 rescued, 8 missing in Canadian avalanches (December 29, 2008) Associated Press: 8 snowmobilers missing in Canadian avalanches (December 29, 2008) This still leaves one missing person unaccounted for.Fox News: Six Bodies Recovered at Canada Avalanche Site, Police Say (December 29, 2008) CTV: Rescue crews find seventh body at avalanche site (December 29, 2008)

The eleven men who were trapped by the avalanches are from the nearby mining community of Sparwood, British Columbia.Associated Press: 8 snowmobilers missing in Canadian avalanches (December 29, 2008)

The men are all in their in mid-late 20s, and are businessmen or coal miners. They came to the backcountry equipped with avalanche beacons to help with a rescue if it became necessary.CNN: 3 rescued, 8 missing in Canadian avalanches (December 29, 2008) The search continued into a second day.Reuters: Search resumes for 8 missing in Canada avalanches (December 29, 2008)

"Most of these gentlemen worked in the coal industry or were affiliated to a company that supports the coal industry. They were all fine, upstanding people—hard workers—and they enjoyed snowmobiling."—Swarwood Mayor David WilksCBC: Sparwood mayor hoping for 'a miracle' in avalanche rescue (December 29, 2008)