Five Hundred Dollar Powder: Revelstoke Skiers Learn a Hard Lesson in Glacier National Park
Two experienced backcountry skiers from Revelstoke, B.C. just learned an expensive lesson about double-checking the daily closure bulletin. Margaret Elizabeth Hlushak and Matthew Charles Kotze were each fined $500 after accidentally skiing into a closed, avalanche-restricted area in Glacier National Park last spring.
This incident is a stark reminder for the entire action sports community. It shows just how quickly a fun day in the mountains can turn into a legal headache, even for seasoned riders with proper credentials.
What Went Wrong in the West Rogers Winter Restricted Area
The incident occurred on April 25th in the park’s West Rogers Winter Restricted Area. This is prime, complex terrain in Rogers Pass, but it was officially closed that day due to an elevated avalanche hazard. It’s an area where Parks Canada uses explosive artillery fire for avalanche control along the Trans-Canada Highway, which is why the permit system is in place and strictly enforced.
The skiers were contacted by Parks Canada wardens after their vehicle was spotted at the Illecillewaet trailhead. Both Hlushak and Kotze cooperated fully with the wardens and were ordered to leave the area immediately. It is worth noting that both skiers had their required annual winter permits and parking passes. They had also previously completed the avalanche safety quiz required for entry into restricted terrain.
An Honest Mistake Still Costs Big
The defense for the skiers argued the infraction was simply an "honest mistake". Crown prosecutor Melissa Klages agreed with this assessment. She acknowledged that Hlushak and Kotze were cooperative and expressed remorse in court.
The problem was a classic group management error: each assumed the other had checked the daily closure bulletin. As a result, they missed the crucial notification that the zone was off-limits that day.
A fine under the Canada National Parks Act typically seeks $1,000. However, Justice George Leven reduced the penalty to $500 for each skier, citing their cooperation and remorse. Of that money, $380 from each fine will be directed to Avalanche Canada, which is a key player in mountain safety, with the rest going to the provincial court registry.
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The Takeaway for Backcountry Riders
Backcountry touring in an area like Rogers Pass is world-class, but it’s an unforgiving arena. The terrain is extremely complex, and the snowpack changes constantly. This incident serves as a critical safety reminder. Even highly experienced riders must follow protocol, as demonstrated by the case of the Fernie skiers who were fined $1,000 each for entering the same restricted area just three weeks prior.
Looking ahead, Parks Canada is tightening up the permit system for the 2025-26 season. All users, regardless of whether they hold a daily or an annual permit, will now be required to pass an avalanche safety quiz that is being redesigned for better accessibility. Backcountry users must remember to check both conditions and closure bulletins daily before venturing into the park. After all, no line is worth a hefty fine or risking an avalanche.
