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

Rescuers were continuing to look for two more snowmobilers from the group who went missing following two avalanches. Three other men managed to escape with minor wounds.

All 11 men 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, the Canadian broadcaster CTV said.

The rescue effort was called off because of darkness Sunday evening and crews resumed their work Monday.

David Wilks, mayor of Sparwood town where the snowmobilers live, 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)