39 Died in Avalanches in France Last Winter
2nd June 2021
Last modified on June 4th, 2021
It is much higher than previous years and is nearly double the average over the past 50 years. Covid-19 restrictions, the growth in ski touring and unstable snow are to blame.
With ski lifts closed in France there was comparatively little precautionary measures taken to trigger avalanches and make slopes/ski areas safe.
Many people also took to ski touring in the off piste – some without the neccessary skills, training and safety equipment.
In addition there was a highly unstable snow pack, particularly in January.
See here for the full statistics from the National Association for Snow and Avalanche Research (ANENA).
It was a similar picture in Switzerland as we reported earlier and in some detail on PlanetSKI:
Avalanche deaths in Switzerland up 50% this winter
We reported on the increase in accidents, and some miraculous rescues, across last winter:
- Snowboard Champion Dies In Avalanche
- Avalanche Death Toll Continues To Climb
- Why Are There Currently So Many Fatal Avalanches In The Alps?
- Miraculous Avalanche Rescues In The Alps
Avalanche sign. Image © PlanetSKI
