The 42-year-old entered closed zone at Whistler Blackcomb resort, reportedly causing an avalanche

An Australian woman has died while snowboarding at the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort in Canada.

The 42-year-old, from New South Wales, died after entering a permanently closed zone on Thursday in the area above Lakeside Bowl on Blackcomb Mountain, which is said to have triggered an avalanche.

The woman was taken to the Whistler Health Care Centre where she was pronounced dead.

A 36-year-old man who was snowboarding with her was rescued from the same area.

Avalanche Canada said the incident occurred on a “steep, rocky, south-facing slope near Whistler”. It said a human-caused avalanche was triggered, although police could not confirm this.

“Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol and the entire Vail Resorts family extend our deepest sympathy and support to our guest’s family and friends,” Whistler Blackcomb chief operating officer Pete Sonntag said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement it was providing consular assistance to the family.