Avalanche
Tragedy struck the iconic Val d’Isère ski resort in France on Sunday, January 12, when an avalanche claimed the lives of two skiers in an off-piste area known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking views. The men, aged 29 and 34, were part of a group of six Estonians skiing on the backside of the Cugnaï, an unmarked slope outside the resort’s designated trails.
The avalanche, described in a press release by the resort’s ski patrol as a slab 100 meters (328 feet) wide and 300 meters (984 feet) long, swept through the group around 2:30 p.m. local time. Four of the skiers were buried, while two others avoided being carried away. One of the buried skiers was found partially submerged up to the waist and quickly rescued. Another was extracted conscious and transported to Bourg-Saint-Maurice Hospital. The remaining two were discovered under the snow after more than 30 minutes by dog teams from Val d’Isère and neighboring Tignes. Despite the efforts of over 20 rescuers and two helicopter crews, both men were declared dead at the scene. None of the skiers had avalanche beacons, a critical tool for locating individuals trapped under snow.
Sunday’s avalanche risk in the northern Alps and Hautes-Alpes was rated 4 out of 5, a “strong” danger level, according to Météo-France. Recent heavy snowfall, compounded by high-altitude winds, created hazardous off-piste conditions. The Val d’Isère piste service had issued warnings, emphasizing the importance of proper equipment, training, and professional guidance for those venturing beyond marked trails. “The heavy snowfall of the last few days related to high-altitude winds has created dangerous off-piste conditions,” one of the rescuers stated. “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks of skiing outside marked areas without proper precautions.”
Nestled in the French Alps at 6,070 feet, Val d’Isère is renowned as one of Europe’s premier ski destinations, hosting both Olympic and World Cup events. Its expansive terrain, shared with neighboring Tignes, offers 186 miles of marked pistes and vast off-piste areas that attract thrill-seekers from around the globe. The reverse side of the Cugnaï, where the avalanche occurred, is a popular yet perilous area for advanced skiers. Known for its unspoiled beauty and challenging descents, the terrain demands expertise and caution. “Val d’Isère offers incredible skiing, but its off-piste areas require respect for the mountain and preparation,” said a resort spokesperson. Val d’Isère’s rescue teams urge caution as heavy snowfall and shifting weather patterns persist. The resort remains committed to enhancing safety awareness while preserving its reputation as one of the world’s most coveted skiing destinations.
