French Alps Avalanche Death Toll Soars to Four in Three Days
Deadly avalanches have devastated the French Alps, killing four people in just 72 hours. This grim surge hikes the European ski season’s avalanche deaths to at least 66 — a stark reminder of the dangers lurking under the heavy snow.
Two Fatal Avalanches Slam Monday
Monday brought a double tragedy off-piste. A man in his early 30s was buried by a “very large avalanche” near Montgenevre, right on the Italian border. His companion escaped unscathed.
Later the same day, a 38-year-old skier died off-piste in Saint-Agnes near Grenoble, in the Belledonne mountain range. His partner also survived, police confirmed.
Weekend Avalanche Carnage Deepens Alarm
- On Saturday, two men in their 30s were buried at Tete de Longet peak near Saint-Veran, southeastern France. Part of a four-man group, only two survived the deadly slide.
- The Alpine rescue teams reported three more avalanche deaths the same day in Italy’s Trentino Alto Adige and Lombardy regions — key locations preparing for the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
- In the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo, two avalanches struck the Marmolada area amid ongoing women’s Alpine ski competitions, causing some of the fatalities.
Briton Among Victims as Avalanche Warnings Intensify
Just last month, a British man in his 50s died after being buried under eight feet of snow in an avalanche at La Plagne in the French Alps. Rescuers battled for 50 minutes before finding him.
The European Avalanche Warning Services are keeping a close eye on conditions and urging skiers to stay vigilant as heavy snow continues to threaten the season.
