Avalanche Kills Dutch Skier Near Ovronnaz In Valais, Switzerland

January 19, 2018

Ovronnaz, Switzerland – On Thursday, January 18, 2018 a 31-year-old Dutch skier was caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche on an east aspect at 1710 meters while skiing off piste in the “Saille” area near Ovronnaz in Leytron in Valais, Switzerland.

The female victim was skiing with her 27-year-old companion at the time of the avalanche. Both of the Dutch skiers were caught in the slide – one was partially buried and one was fully buried. Various sources report that the avalanche measured 200 meters long by 20 meters wide.

Another group of skiers were able to rescue them. Rescuers transported the victim to the hospital in Sion in critical condition. Unfortunately, the Dutch skier succumbed to her injuries that evenings.

SLF.ch reports that the avalanche occurred in Saille in Valais on an East aspect at 1710 meters. They report the avalanche danger rating at the time as 4/5.

Lawis.at reports that the accident occurred on 2018-01-18 in Leytron in Switzerland. They note a Lat/Long of 46.2082° N / 7.1453° E. This is an East aspect. The size 2 slab avalanche caught 2 people. One was partially buried and one was fully buried. One person was injured and one person died. The avalanche danger rating at the time of the incident was 4/5.

We will try to update this post when more information is available.

Read more about the avalanche near Ovronnaz in Switzerland from the following sources: