A woman in her thirties lost her life in an avalanche on Wednesday morning while skiing off-piste in the Chamonix Valley. The incident occurred around 2000 meters altitude on the north face of the Aiguillette des Posettes (2201m) under the Croix de Posettes in Vallorcine, Haute-Savoie. The incident follows the fatality of a another off-piste skier at the nearby Grands Montets yesterday.
The victim, along with two other members of her family, all Swiss nationals, was skiing off-piste when a snow slide engulfed them. The High Mountain Gendarmerie (PGHM) of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc was called to the scene around 11:30 a.m. to conduct the rescue operation.
Despite being equipped with avalanche airbags and transceivers, the woman succumbed to the accident, possibly due to injuries received during the slide. One of the other skiers sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Sallanches hospital, while the third person was unharmed and gave the alert.
According to rescue officials, the avalanche was likely triggered by the group's passage. The avalanche risk level on Wednesday was assessed at 3 out of 5, indicating a considerable danger level.
Avalanche Conditions and Warnings
The avalanche bulletin for the region highlighted significant instability in the snowpack due to recent heavy snowfall. Over the past two days, fresh snow accumulations ranged from 40 to 80 cm at altitudes above 2000 meters. The report warned of numerous weak slabs in the fresh snow, particularly in northern and eastern orientations, making them difficult to detect and easily triggered.
Authorities continue to urge caution in backcountry skiing areas, emphasizing the heightened avalanche risk following recent snowfall. Skiers and snowboarders are advised to stay on marked trails and remain vigilant in off-piste areas.
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