Swedish Freeskier Matilda Rapaport Has Died at 30

Swedish freeskeir Matilda Rapaport has died today at the age of 30 after being buried in an avalanche in Farellones, Chile on July 14th.  The avalanche burial left Matilda without oxygen for a prolonged period of time.  This lack of oxygen left Matilda in a coma.

Matilda’s mother and husband, Swedish World Cup ski racer Mattias Hargin, were with her when she passed away today.

Matilda is the is the 2nd female Freeride World Tour athlete to die in an avalanche this year after two-time world champ Estelle Balet died on April 19th in Switzerland.

Matilda was caught and partially buried in a large avalanche in Alaska last year.  You can see the avalanche and hear her talk about the experience in the video below:

“It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the news that Matilda Rapaport did not survive the  avalanche in Farellones. The lack of oxygen she suffered meant that her life could not be saved. Matilda remained buried under the snow for an extended period of time, and was left in a coma.

Matilda’s husband, Mattias Hargin, is in place in Chile in the company of Matilda’s mother.

This is another painful shock for the freeride community and the FWT family. Matilda was the embodiment of excellence, on and off the mountain. She marked the history of female freeskiing and will be deeply missed.

The FWT is sending its thoughts, deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Matilda Rapaport during this very difficult time.” – Freeride World Tour, today

• Winning the Verbier Xtreme in 2013
• 2nd place in Hanes, AK in 2016
• 2nd at Chamonix, France in 2014
• 3rd at Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France in 2016
• 4th overall on FWT in 2016
• She also won the Swedish Freeride Championships in 2011

Matilda was a Red Bull athlete who worked with many film makers including Shades of Winter.

Matilda was filming at the time of her avalanche accident on July 14th, 2016.  Avalanche conditions were elevated at the time of her avalanche due to a recent large snowfall.  A skier caught in an avalanche two days prior to Matilda’s accident was documented on video.