New York/Calgary  - The bodies of seven snowmobilers were found Monday in the Canadian province of British Columbia, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed.

Rescuers suspended their search for the eight victim because of heavy snowfall and dense, low clouds. The search was to continue Tuesday.

The group of 11 snowmobilers encountered two avalanches Sunday afternoon about 20 kilometres east of Fernie town in the Canadian Rockies. The men had been in the Harvey Pass area, a popular destination for snowmobilers.

One avalanche buried part of the group, while the second buried the rest as they tried to help, Canadian broadcaster CTV said. Three men escaped with minor wounds.

The rescue effort was called off because of darkness Sunday evening and crews resumed their work Monday, only to have to suspend it again until Tuesday.

David Wilks, mayor of Sparwood town where the snowmobilers lived, said, "Reality tells us if you're stuck in the snow for about 24 hours, bad things can happen."

He said all the men were in their 20s and most worked in the coal mines. (dpa)