Lionel Condemine, a 68-year-old veteran mountain guide from Annecy, France, stood trial this Monday in Nice over his role in a tragic avalanche that claimed the lives of four of his clients during a ski tour in the Mercantour Massif on March 2, 2018. The court case, reopened after an initial dismissal, has reignited questions about decision-making in high-risk mountain environments.
The incident occurred during the final leg of a five-day Nordic ski tour that began in Bayasse (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) and was set to end in Entraunes (Alpes-Maritimes). Despite a high avalanche risk rated 4 out of 5, Condemine decided to proceed with the group’s route over the Col de la Cayolle rather than opting for a safer alternative, such as returning by taxi.
A Tragic Day in the Mountains
The group, comprising five skiers aged 40 to 66, was making its way through the high valley when disaster struck. According to testimony and reports, the skiers had paused at the edge of a forest, below an avalanche-prone slope, while Condemine scouted the terrain ahead. Moments later, the first avalanche struck, sweeping away the group. A second avalanche buried Condemine as he tried to respond.
Condemine managed to free himself after 45 minutes and rescued one injured client, but the other four were killed. Without a radio and lacking mobile service, he had to ski down to raise the alarm, delaying the arrival of rescue teams by over two hours. The victims were buried 80 to 150cm under the snow. Condemine told police that he didn't try to dig them out himself as he didn't think they had much chance of survival.
The Trial and Key Questions
During Monday’s hearing, prosecutors and civil parties raised concerns over Condemine’s decisions that day. Caty Richard, representing the victims’ families, criticized the choice of route, the failure to turn back despite clear signs of snow instability, and the lack of communication equipment.
"The signals of danger were clear, and the guide’s decisions amounted to a series of critical errors," Richard said. Prosecutors echoed these concerns, describing Condemine’s actions as potential “gross negligence.” They have requested a two-year suspended prison sentence, a ban on practicing as a guide, and a €1,500 fine.
Condemine, a seasoned guide with a career spanning decades, defended his actions in court. He acknowledged the risks but insisted that he had evaluated the situation based on his professional expertise. "The decision to proceed was not reckless but calculated," he stated, adding that he believed staying on slopes with angles below 30 degrees minimized the avalanche risk. He says that it is not a legal obligation for guides to have a radio.
The court also heard from a snow science expert, who noted that while the decision to proceed could be considered “reasonable” under certain interpretations, the choice of route and failure to turn back when conditions worsened were significant factors in the tragedy. The expert noted that there was also a safer route away from avalanche prone slopes.
A Guide’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
Known for his pioneering contributions to Nordic skiing and Telemark techniques, Condemine is a revered figure in the mountaineering community. He has spent much of his career in the Ecrins and Freissinières regions, where he shared his passion for the mountains with clients from around the world.
For the families of the victims, however, this trial is not just about Condemine’s personal legacy but about accountability and safety in mountain guiding. One family member of a victim remarked, "This is not about blaming the mountains; it’s about ensuring that guides respect their responsibility to prioritize safety above all else."
Verdict Awaited
The court will deliver its judgment on March 17. The case has sparked wider discussions in the mountaineering community about the balance between freedom and responsibility in high-risk environments. Meanwhile, the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes continues to urge caution in backcountry skiing, particularly during periods of heightened avalanche danger.
For Condemine, the trial could signal the sad end to a brilliant career as a guide.
Further Reading:
https://pistehors.com/25333525/major-avalanche-kills-four-ski-tourers-in-the-maritime-alps
https://www.mag2lyon.fr/avalanche-dentraunes-le-guide-renvoye-devant-la-justice/