A backcountry skier was seriously injured after an avalanche caught a group of ski tourers in the French Pyrenees on this afternoon, highlighting the risks currently affecting spring mountain conditions.
The incident occurred on April 22 in the Gaves Valley, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, where a group of five Spanish ski mountaineers were ascending the “Couloir Oublié” on the Grand Astazou, deep within the Cirque d’Estaubé. The group triggered a slab of wet snow during their climb, which carried all five skiers several hundred metres down the slope.
Despite the scale of the avalanche, none of the group members were buried, an outcome that significantly improved the chances of a rapid rescue.
Three Injured, One in Critical Condition
Three of the five skiers sustained injuries in the incident. Two suffered minor injuries and were treated quickly at the scene. A third skier, however, was more seriously hurt, suffering multiple traumatic injuries that required urgent medical evacuation.
Mountain rescue teams from the CRS unit based in Gavarnie were rapidly deployed, supported by a helicopter from the Tarbes gendarmerie air section. A doctor from the local emergency medical service was also onboard. The seriously injured skier was airlifted to the hospital in Tarbes for treatment. The remaining two members of the group escaped unharmed.
Challenging Conditions for Rescuers
Rescue teams were able to respond quickly despite the risk posed by the steep terrain and altitude. The absence of burial allowed for faster location and treatment of the victims, likely preventing a more severe outcome.
Avalanche Risk Increasing Through the Day
According to the avalanche bulletin issued the previous day for the Haute-Bigorre massif, conditions were particularly unstable. The risk level was forecast to rise from “limited” (Level 2) to “considerable” (Level 3) during the course of the day, driven by a lack of overnight refreezing following mild, cloudy, and windy conditions.
Forecasters warned of early activity in the morning, intensifying as temperatures increased. Wet snow avalanches were expected to occur naturally, with some potentially reaching large sizes, especially on north-facing slopes. Human-triggered avalanches were described as likely, even under the weight of a single skier, due to heavily waterlogged snow.
Additional hazards included fragile cornices and weakening snow bridges, both capable of collapsing without warning.
A Popular but Demanding Route
The ascent of the Grand Astazou via the Couloir Oublié is a well-known objective among ski tourers, prized for its aesthetic line and panoramic views, particularly of the north face of Mont Perdu. However, it is also a demanding and committing route, requiring careful assessment of snow stability and conditions.
A Reminder of Springtime Mountain Hazards
This accident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving risks in the mountains during spring. Rising temperatures and the absence of overnight freezing can rapidly destabilise the snowpack, increasing the likelihood of wet snow avalanches.
Authorities continue to urge caution, emphasising the importance of thorough preparation, careful route selection, and close attention to avalanche forecasts before heading into high mountain terrain.