An climber has been injured by an avalanche on the northern slopes of Mont Ventoux close to Avignon yesterday. The area has been experience exceptional snow conditions this winter. The slide was triggered by a ski tourer and hit the climber 200 meters lower down the combe de Fonfiole.
The climber was not completely buried by the slide but had suffered a fracture to his leg. Specialist units of the fire service (GRIMP) as well as a member of the piste services of nearby Mont Serein came to the scene. The accident is a reminder that conditions in the Southern Alps and Pyrenees remain unstable, especially with the arrival of warm weather over the last days. Backcountry travelers are reminded that early starts are in order as spring arrives.
A major search operation on Friday night failed to locate a skier who had fallen into crevasse descending the Vallee Blanche. The missing skier spent a chilly night 30 meters under the surface of the glacier. The PGHM (High Mountain Police) spotted tracks leading to a hole in the snow on Saturday and were able to rescue the man.
A three year old boy was buried by a roof avalanche at les Deux Alpes yesterday. He was recovered without injury by his parents and other witnesses.