The French Alps witnessed a tragic weekend, with three skiers killed in two separate avalanches on Saturday, according to local authorities and regional officials. These incidents have once again highlighted the significant dangers of skiing, particularly in off-piste areas.
Details of the first incident in Valdesir
In the first incident, which occurred at the popular Val d'Isère resort, two French skiers lost their lives after deciding to ski off the official, secure trails. According to the resort's tourist office, they were caught off guard by massive snowdrifts that buried them under two and a half meters of heavy snow.
Official reports indicate that members of the skiers' escort group quickly called for help, but rescue teams faced significant difficulties. Despite strenuous efforts, rescuers were unable to revive the two victims. It is worth noting that the skiers were not equipped with avalanche beacons, vital equipment that helps pinpoint the location of victims quickly and accurately under the snow. They were later found thanks to their mobile phone signals, a method often less accurate and effective in such critical conditions.
Another incident in Arich-Beaufort
About 60 kilometers from the site of the first accident, another tragedy occurred at the resort of Arich-Beaufort, where another avalanche swept away two skiers who were also skiing off-piste. Regional official Jean-Pierre Mirabel told AFP that emergency crews were unable to revive one of the skiers, who died at the scene, while the other was rushed to the hospital with very serious head injuries.
Context of climate risks and warnings
These incidents come at a time when French meteorologists had issued advance warnings of a high risk of avalanches over the weekend, due to the instability of the snow layers.
The French Alps are a major global destination for winter sports enthusiasts, yet they experience similar accidents every year, often linked to off-piste skiing. Experts consistently emphasize the importance of adhering to safety instructions and carrying essential survival equipment such as shovels, sensors, and radio transmitters, especially given the changing climate that can make snow layers less cohesive and more prone to sudden collapses when skiers pass over them.
