While Snowwater Heli-Skiing near Bonnington isn't yet speaking to media about Wednesday's fatal avalanche the company has released a statement.

A man died at the scene while a woman succumbed to her injuries later in hospital.

A guide and another two skiers managed to dig themselves out of the snow before locating the others.

Part of Snowwater president Patric Maloney's statement reads:

I commend our staff and guests for their part in executing a rescue. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and survivors.

The company, which has been operating for 18 years, says this is the first fatal incident at the lodge.

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