This severe avalanche was described as "of great size," occurring outside the designated ski area, underscoring the risks associated with backcountry skiing, which takes place in unmarked and ungroomed terrains. In a separate incident further north in the Haute-Savoie region near Chamonix, a 30-year-old Swiss skier was killed, also while skiing off-piste with family. Her brother was hospitalized for precautionary tests, while their father remained unharmed. All three had been using anti-avalanche airbags.
These recent tragedies highlight the inherent dangers of skiing in off-piste areas, particularly in a season marked by variable snow conditions. On Tuesday, another skier, a 55-year-old Brazilian-Portuguese man, lost his life in a "very large" avalanche in a Mont Blanc off-piste section.
Officials and safety advocates are calling for increased awareness and caution among skiers regarding the risks of off-piste skiing. With these grave incidents drawing attention to the issue, discussions surrounding ski safety, particularly in challenging terrains, are expected to intensify in the coming days.
These recent tragedies highlight the inherent dangers of skiing in off-piste areas, particularly in a season marked by variable snow conditions. On Tuesday, another skier, a 55-year-old Brazilian-Portuguese man, lost his life in a "very large" avalanche in a Mont Blanc off-piste section.
Officials and safety advocates are calling for increased awareness and caution among skiers regarding the risks of off-piste skiing. With these grave incidents drawing attention to the issue, discussions surrounding ski safety, particularly in challenging terrains, are expected to intensify in the coming days.
