A skier has been killed by a slab avalanche measuring 100x50m at Réallon in the Southern French Alps.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=reallon+france&sll=37.0625,-95.677068

The man, aged around 40, was climbing with a friend at 2200 meters on the east slopes of the Pointe de la Gardette. His friend was able to find him using his avalanche beacon under 1m50 of snow. Rescue workers and a doctor who arrived on the scene shortly afterwards were unable to revivie the man. The avalanche risk is high in the sector. Initial reports say the man was cross country skiing but it seems more likely he was either nordic or ski touring.

Confirmation that this is a ski touring incident.

At Valmeinier two pisteurs were hit by a slide as they were working on avalanche control work in the Crey du Quart sector. One of the pisteurs was able to trigger his ABS Airbag and remained on the surface of the slide. The other was buried under 150cm of snow. Rescued after 15 minutes thanks to the signal from his avalanche beacon he was suffering from hypothermia and shock.

There were skier triggered avalanches in Tignes, La Plagne and at Val-Thorens. A number of skier triggered avalanches were also noted in the Isere and the local authorities have warned skiers to take extreme care above 2000-2400 meters altitude.

A British snowshoer passed an uncomfortable night sheltering between rocks at 2,400 m in St Foy in the Savoie above the Echaillon. He became disoriented after setting out for Monal then the col de l’Aiguille.

The Dauphine Libere has more information about the fatality

http://www.ledauphine.com/index.jspz?chaine=24&article=239268

They named the man as Alain Chabre from Gap, a father of two.

The col du Lautaret between Grenoble and Briancon will be closed from 13H00 today betwee Villard d’Arêne and Monestier les Bains. Avalanche risk 5/5. The situation will be reviewed tomorrow with a possible reopening at midday.

The Vars and Larche cols have also been closed after two avalanches crossed the D902 at the vallon du Crachet and 1km above Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye. An avalanche has also blocked the Larche on the Italian side in the Argentera sector.