Mountain rescue teams were called into action twice in the Alps on Friday, January 23, as unstable snow conditions contributed to two separate avalanches — one fatal and one causing serious injury.
A 40-year-old man died after being caught by a small avalanche while ski touring on the north face of the Cime du Sambuis (2734m), near Saint-Colomban-des-Villards in the Maurienne valley. The incident occurred in the afternoon as the group of three experienced ski tourers were descending a steep north facing couloir. The north couloir is over 40° for 200 meters.
According to reports, the victim was carried downhill and thrown against rocks. Despite the rapid arrival of the mountain police (PGHM) and rescue personnel, including a doctor, authorities were only able to confirm his death at the scene. His two companions were blocked on the face but were eventually airlifted to safety by helicopter.
The avalanche danger was given as of 3 (“marked”) above 1600 m, with persistent weak snow layers and wind-affected slabs creating particularly unpredictable conditions.
Meanwhile, in the neighbouring department of Isère at Chamrousse, a 32-year-old off-piste skier was seriously injured after being caught in an avalanche in the Couloir du Croissant, outside the marked ski area. This short but steep, south-west facing couloir is very popular with ski tourers and off piste skiers alike.
Rescue teams, including Chamrousse pisteurs, Samu medical personnel, and PGHM found the man partially buried. He sustained multiple injuries to his pelvis, knee, and shoulder and was evacuated by helicopter to Grenoble University Hospital (CHU Grenoble Alpes) for treatment.