Pisteur Killed by Ste Foy Avalanche

An avalanche close to the pistes at Sainte Foy en Tarentaise on Sunday afternoon has killed a member of the piste patrol.

Col de l’Aiguille, scene of the avalanche yesterday

The Pisteur was skiing close to the Col de l’Aiguille (2552 meters) at the summit of the small ski resort when he was hit by the slide. The alert was given around 16h00 and the rescue services were rapidly on the scene. He was found in a state of cardio-vascular arrest and was transported by helicopter to hospital in Bourg St Maurice in a critical condition. He died on Monday of his injuries. The avalanche risk was 4 in the area at the time of the slide.

There have been 10 victims of avalanches since the start of the season in France and a number of injuries. The avalanche risk remains high in the Hautes-Alpes and considerable in other areas.

Posted by davidof on Monday, 19 January, 2004 at 10:31 PM

Just to note that the piste patroller was involved in avalanche clearance work to ensure the safe opening of the resort for the public.

Posted by davidof on Friday, 30 January, 2004 at 10:49 PM

Skieur Magazine has given the name of the piste patroller as Eric ’Pems‘ Peymirat. The slope had been blasted with grenades at the start of the day and had been checked by his colleagues. His many friends in Sainte Foy and beyond are organising a party in his memory.

Posted by davidof on Monday, 16 February, 2004 at 09:00 PM