Investigation Continues After Four Ski Mountaineers Die in Avalanche in Central France
26th February 2024
Last modified on February 28th, 2024
The accident happened in the commune of Mont-Dore. Three others suffered minor injuries. An investigation is underway. .UPDATED
The avalanche took place on Sunday at an altitude of 1,600 metres above the village of Mont-Dore in an area known as the Val d’Enfer, the prefecture of the Puy-de-Dôme department said in a statement.
It is in the mountainous Auvergne region of central France.
Three other people were injured and a major search operation was launched.
50 rescuers including specialised mountain police were involved, along with dogs specially trained to find victims of avalanches.
The mayor of Mont-Dore, Sebastien Dubourg, praised those involved in the rescue.
The area is to the west of Lyon and south of Clermont-Ferrand.
Image c/o Google Maps
The people were from the French Alpine Club of Vichy and were going up a slope with crampons and ice axes when the avalanche occurred around 1.30 pm.
An experienced mountain guide, 50-year old David Vigouroux, is among the dead.
An investigation has been opened by the local public prosecutor’s office and is on-going.
The prefect of the Puy-de-Dome region, Joel Mathurin, has sent his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Skiers and climbers in the area are being asked to exercise extreme caution.
