An experienced 40-year-old skier lost his life on Tuesday afternoon after being swept away by an avalanche on the northern slopes of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877m), a prominent peak in the French Pyrenees and popular with freeriders.
The accident occurred near the commune of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, according to the High Mountain Gendarmerie (PGHM) of Pierrefitte-Nestalas. Three skiers, who witnessed the avalanche, discovered the man at the base of the slope and quickly alerted emergency services. Despite immediate intervention and resuscitation efforts, the skier was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been carried nearly 800 meters by the avalanche.
Authorities confirmed that the victim was experienced and well equiped. He was skiing alone when he was caught by what appeared to be a wind slab avalanche, according to the PGHM.
The accident coincided with a period of heightened avalanche danger. An avalanche bulletin issued on Monday for the Haute-Bigorre massif warned of 'considerable' (Level 3 out of 5) avalanche risk above 2,300 meters, specifically on northern and northeastern slopes.
Fresh snow accumulation combined with strong southern winds had created unstable wind slabs, particularly treacherous on steep, north-facing slopes near ridgelines, summits, and couloirs. The bulletin warned of possible medium to large slab avalanches, with fragile, buried layers making conditions more hazardous.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.