Fatal avalanche on Glacier du Tour
German skier swept away in snow slide
Witnesses saw a German ski tourer swept to his death yesterday afternoon as an avalanche struck the Glacier du Tour in the Mont Blanc Massif.
The 37 year old man was ski touring with a friend who was also struck by the avalanche but was fortunately unharmed. The PGHM (mountain rescue police) were called at 5pm by a group, who was also ski touring in the area. They were already carrying out search and rescue exercises in the area, so were able to respond quickly.
Despite the man being found very soon he had tragically already died of his injuries, after having fallen several hundred metres over glacial terrain and rocks.
Source : Le Dauphiné Libéré & Radio Mont Blanc
Recent high temperatures combined with the fresh snow that is currently falling makes avalanches particularly likely at this time of the year. Make sure that you are aware of the risks and if you are inexperienced or new to the area you should always hire the services of a qualified mountain guide.
