A backcountry skier fell roughly 1,000 feet to his death while on a backcountry tour from the Belalp ski area to a hut on the Aletsch glacier on Thursday, May 10. A group of three backcountry skiers was hiking from Belalp to the Oberaletsch hut at 8,661 feet (2,640 meters) when one person fell to their death.
After hiking past the Hotel Belalp which is about 1.25 miles or 2 km northeast of the top station of the Blatten-Belalp cable car, one of the backcountry skiers fell roughly 1,000 feet down the steep mountain face out of currently unexplained reasons.
The other team members immediately called for help but rescue workers could only determine the death of the person. The formal identification of the victim is underway.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation in cooperation with the Cantonal Police of Valais.
