Two Hikers in Separate Groups Die in Mt Blanc Rockfall
2nd August 2023
Last modified on August 4th, 2023
A Dutch and a French hiker were hit while ascending the Aiguilles du Tour on Mont Blanc. Climate change is making the mountains more unstable.
The hiking tour requires the use of ropes with ice axes and crampons recommended.
A 36-year old man and 22-year old woman from Holland were hit by the rockfall.
The man died and the woman survived.
The rockfall continued down the mountain and hit another group.
A 26-year old Frenchman was fatally injured.
The bodies have been recovered and an investigation is underway.
Around 100 hikers and climbers die each year in the Mont Blanc Massif.
Chamonix in the summer. Image © Claire McAteer
Rising temperatures are melting the permafrost with the mountains generally becoming less stable.
- Mountain summit collapses in Austria
- Huge rock avalanche hits evacuated Swiss village
- Warnings of further glacier collapses as climate change makes mountains unstable
The authorities are reminding people to exercise caution and to wear helmets when hiking in rocky terrain.
PlanetSKI was hiking in the Chamonix Valley earlier this summer.
Chamonix in the summer. Image © Claire McAteer
Chamonix in the Summer. Image © PlanetSKI
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