Five Die in Avalanches in the Alps
13th January 2025
Three people died in Italy and two in France. The authorities are urging caution off piste as investigations are launched. NEW
Three ski mountaineers died when an avalanche hit a group of five people in the Piedmont region of Italy.
They were ascending eastern face of the Punta Valgrande by the Swiss border and were near the summit.
The three who died were swept several hundred metres down the mountain.
There was a Level 3 risk at the time meaning there was ‘considerable’ danger.
Last week, two hikers died in another avalanche in the Piedmont region.
In France two people died in Val d’Isere.
The two, from Estonia, were in a group of six skiing off piste when they were hit by a 100m wide and 300m long slab avalanche.
It is reported that none of them were carrying avalanche safety equipment.
The avalanche danger was at Level 4, meaning there was a ‘high’ risk.
They were on the reverse side of the Cugnaï, an unmarked slope outside the designated runs.
Four of the skiers were buried, while two others avoided being carried away.
Of the buried skiers, one was found partially submerged up to the waist and was swiftly rescued.
Another was dug out and taken to hospital in Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
The deceased were found after a 45-minute search.
Helicopters, dog teams, and about 20 ski patrollers and instructors were involved in the search operation.
The dead were both men aged 29 and 34.
Investigations are underway into both accidents.
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