Tragedy as Two Climbers Die Over Christmas in the Mont Blanc Massif

Reported missing by their family on Christmas eve, the Chamonix PGHM conducted an aerial search for the missing brothers who were mountaineering in the Dome de Miage area of the glacier on Wednesday.

A large avalanche was spotted during the search and so rescuers, supported by dog teams were sent out the next morning. The body of one of the brothers was discovered on Thursday once the search had resumed on foot, and that of his climbing partner and brother was discovered some further 500 metres down the slope on Friday.

The brothers were 22 years of age and did not originate from the Haute Savoie area. According to Commander Jean-Baptiste Estachy of the Chamonix PGHM they were however experienced mountaineers and properly equipped. Although there was little snow at the time and a fairly low avalanche risk, as Commander Estachy stated "With the snow, zero risk does not exist". According to the PGHM, they would have died in the course of the morning of 24th December during an avalanche that would have carried them nearly 1000 metres over treacherous terrain.

Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time.