Backcountry Skier Killed In Avalanche in Canton of Valais On Easter Sunday | Second Avalanche Fatality In Two Days In Switzerland
Ulrichen, Switzerland – On Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 two backcountry skiers were descending below the Sulzgrates near the Gorno-Griess hut toward the Teltschenhorn when they triggered a deadly “snowdrift avalanche.” A 44-year-old Swiss skier living in Basel-Stadt was caught, buried, and killed in the avalanche.
The avalanche occured near the village of Ulrichen in the municipality of Obergoms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Rescuers responded immediately. They include two helicopters of Air Zermatt, two guides, and the Canton police. The victim was found dead 40 cm beneath the snow.
According to SLF.ch, the avalanche occurred at 2440 meters on a north aspect in the starting zone of Sulzlickey / Lengtal. The avalanche danger rating at the time was 2. EAWS notes the latitude/longitude as 46.4534° N / 8.3384° E. The location can be found on this Map from the SLF.ch.
This is the 13th avalanche fatality in Switzerland during the 2015/2016 hydrological year (October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016). There have been 10 backcountry fatalities and 3 off piste skiing fatalities. This tragic accident followed the day after another avalanche fatality on March 26 near Iffigtal in the Bernese Oberland.
We will try to update this post when more information becomes available.
Above map shows approximate location.
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Read more about the avalanche fatality in Ulrichen, Switzerland from these sources:
- SLF.ch Avalanche Accident Report
- SLF Avalanche Location Map
- EAWS Avalanche Accident Report
- 1815.ch
- 20min.ch
- PolizeiNews.ch
