Rescue groups are asking backcountry users to choose low-risk activities at a time when resources are stretched due to COVID-19.
The Alberta government has asked ski hills in the province to close to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. It’s feared the closure could lure more outdoor enthusiasts into the backcountry to ski or snowshoe, given one of the best snowpacks in recent years.
Parks Mountain Safety, which responds to rescues in the mountain national parks, has asked people to keep their personal risk to an absolute minimum.
The organization says it’s not the time for a backcountry accident, which could stress the capacity of its rescue teams and further burden the health-care system during the COVID pandemic.
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