A Group Of 4 Skiers Triggered An Avalanche While Skiing Off Piste In The Trees Near Verbier, Switzerland – Two Died, Two Survived
Valais, Switzerland – At 14:20 on January 16, 2016, a group of four skiers triggered an avalanche while tree skiing near La Tzoumaz (Les Mayens des Riddes) near Verbier in the Canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland. Two of the skiers died in the avalanche and two survived. The two skiers who died are foreigners, but it is unclear where they are from.
The avalanche was 200 meters wide by 250 meters long and occurred in a treed area. The avalanche warning at the time was 3 out of 5. You can see clips of the avalanche accident scene at RTS.ch.
Rescuers respond quickly and included 5 helicopters from Air Glaciers and Air Zermatt, rescue dogs, and alpine guides. The rescuers searched the area thoroughly until about 18:00 in case their were any other victims.
It’s important to note that avalanche can occur in the trees. Please be safe in the mountains.
Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and families.
Update 1/18: According to TheLocal.ch, the victims were a 26 year old Austrian and a 34 year old German. One victim was “killed after being pinned against a tree.” The other victim lost his airbag.
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Read more about the avalanche accident in Verbier that killed two off piste skiers from these sources:
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The snowpack has been touchy in the Alps in January 2016. Other recent avalanche incidents include:
- A 29-year-old Belgian off piste skier was partially buried up to his neck at Col de la Mouche in Verbier on Friday at 11:30 AM. (20min.ch)
- Three Dead After Avalanche Hits School Group In French Alps
- Avalanche Kills Two Italian Cross Country Skiers In Swiss Alps
- Two Skiers Die In Separate Avalanches In French Alps
- Mont Blanc Avalanche Kills Two Lithuanian Climbers
