A Belgium ski tourer has been killed by an avalanche above Pralognan la Vanoise in the Savoie. Part of a group of four Belgium skiers they were climbing to the Roc de la Pêche refuge in the early evening. It appears that the group separated with two skiers arriving at the refuge without a problem. The remaining couple were hit by a slide around 10 minutes from the refuge. Partially buried, one of the skiers was able to escape from the slide and give the alert. He was able to locate the other skier buried beneath 150cm of snow but was unable to dig him out.
The CRS from Courchevel were dropped near the scene but were hit by another snow slide but were able to trigger their airbags and remain on the surface. Arriving on the scene they had great difficulty recovering the victim who had been pushed into a river.
In the Vercors a ski mountainer has been killed skiing the hyper-exposed south face of the Grande Moucherolle. At its steepest the route varies between 45° and 55° over 250 meters vertical.
http://www.skitour.fr/sorties/la-grande-moucherolle,18064.html
The itineary passes across a series of rock bands and ledges. It appears the 28 year old fell after triggering a small windslab. The mans body was found by the CRS des Alpes around midday today. He has been named as Nicolas Wirshing. Well known in the tight-knit Grenoble steep skiing community.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbzwn9_devoluy_sport
(Nicolas Wirshing in the Chorum Olympique).