An off piste skier has been killed and two others injured in an incident at the ski resort of Val Cenis at around 14h30. According to a statement released by the Prefecture a total of 10 skiers were caught by the avalanche which occurred at around 2300 meters on north facing slopes in the Sources/Montfroid sector, to the east of the Source chair, between the ski areas of Lanslebourg et Termignon.
A large rescue operation was organized, initially with pisteurs from Val Cenis but they were joined by the mountain rescue and medical teams. The avalanche risk was 3 (Considerable) at the time, evolving from 4 (High) earlier in the day. The avalanche broke over a wide area, about 500 x 300 meters. There were 2 separate groups on the slope at the time, a group of 6 experienced local skiers and another of 4 led by a Mountain Guide who was one of the two injured. The avalanche bulletin warned of skier triggered slabs, particuarly on shaded slopes from West through North to East above 1500-1700 meters in the lee of prevailing winds from the South-West and West.