A man is dead after falling into a sink hole and being buried in snow at Fernie Alpine Resort in the East Kootenay region of B.C.

Elk Valley RCMP arrived at the hill on Jan. 8, to find B.C Ambulance transporting a 67-year-old man to hospital. Fernie Alpine Patrol found the man buried under the snow in a natural terrain trap at the very top of the mountain on Polar Peak.

Ski patrol went to significant efforts to keep the man alive, using an AED device on him initially. B.C Ambulance transported him to hospital and after several hours of unsuccessful attempts to improve his condition, he was removed from life support. The man's family was with him in his final moments.

Elk Valley RCMP Sgt. Svend Nielsen said weather conditions on the hill were a likely cause of the incident.

"It is believed poor visibility at that time led the man into a naturally occurring terrain trap underneath one of the first lift towers of the Polar Peak lift," he said.

The spot the man was found in had a naturally-occurring 20 by 30 foot wide oval-shaped sink hole filled with loose and undisturbed snow.

Elk Valley RCMP is assisting the B.C Coroner Service with their investigation. Police offer condolences to the family during this difficult time, who continue to be supported by RCMP Victim Services.