Three skiers killed in avalanches in the French Alps
The French Alps witnessed another tragedy on Saturday, with three skiers losing their lives in two separate avalanche accidents, according to local officials. These incidents once again highlight the significant dangers of skiing, particularly when practiced off-piste.
Details of the tragic accident in Valdésir
In the first incident, which occurred at the popular Valdésir resort, two French skiers lost their lives after being swept away by a sudden avalanche while skiing off-piste. According to the resort's tourist office, the two men were buried under a thick layer of snow, up to two and a half meters deep, making their chances of survival extremely slim.
Reports indicate that members of the skiers' escort group quickly called for help, but rescue teams arriving at the scene were unable to revive them. Notably, the victims were not equipped with avalanche transceivers, vital equipment that helps locate victims buried under snow quickly. They were found thanks to their mobile phone signals, which took longer than the critical conditions of suffocation under the snow would allow.
Another incident in Arich-Beaufort
About 60 kilometers from the first site, another tragedy occurred at the resort of Arich-Beaufort, where another avalanche swept away two skiers who were off-piste. Regional official Jean-Pierre Mirabel told AFP that rescue teams were unable to revive one of the skiers, while the other was rushed to the hospital with serious head injuries, leaving his condition critical.
Risks of off-piste skiing and the climatic context
These incidents come at a time when French meteorologists have warned of a high risk of avalanches over the weekend. The Alps are a world-renowned destination for skiers, but they also present significant natural hazards. Avalanches often occur due to unstable snowpack, particularly after heavy snowfall or sudden temperature changes, causing upper layers to slide over older, frozen layers.
Many professionals and amateurs flock to off-piste skiing in search of thrills and the experience of pristine snow, but these areas lack the safety measures and supervision found on official trails. French authorities and mountain rescue teams consistently emphasize the importance of carrying basic safety equipment, including a DVA (Digital Vehicle Access Device), a probe, and a shovel, as the first 15 minutes are crucial for a skier's survival under the snow.
A history of accidents and their impact on mountain tourism
This is not the first time the Alps have witnessed such incidents; every winter season sees a number of deaths and injuries due to avalanches. These incidents directly impact safety measures at resorts, sometimes forcing authorities to close large areas or preemptively blast snow to prevent dangerous accumulations. Authorities urge all visitors to strictly adhere to daily warnings regarding risk levels and to never venture off designated trails without professional guides and proper equipment, in order to protect their lives.
