Two skiers have lost their lives, and a third is in critical condition following an avalanche incident. The tragic event occurred in Val Veny, a section of the Courmayeur ski resort in north-west Italy, at approximately 11 am CET on Sunday. The three individuals were skiing off-piste in the Vesses couloir at the time of the avalanche. One skier passed away at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries in the hospital. The third skier, who is severely injured, has been transported to Le Molinette Hospital in Turin. The identities and nationalities of the victims have not been disclosed yet.
Teams from the Valdostan Alpine Rescue and the Guardia di Finanza conducted the search and rescue operation aided by three dogs. The teams utilized two helicopters and collaborated with two medical professionals.
Val Veny, situated in the Aosta Valley, is currently under a level three avalanche alert on a scale ranging from one to five.
AINEVA, the organization responsible for issuing avalanche warnings, highlighted the risk posed by old wind-packed snow accumulations, which can trigger spontaneously or due to the passage of a single winter sports enthusiast.
This incident follows a separate avalanche tragedy in the French Alps where two British skiers and a French skier lost their lives. The avalanche struck La Vallée du Manchet, Val-d’Isère, affecting six off-piste skiers around 11.30 am CET. Another British skier sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
Cédric Bonnevie, the director of the Val-d’Isère ski resort, mentioned that an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the avalanche. He noted that two victims were located swiftly by rescuers as they were equipped with essential gear, including avalanche transceivers.
The third victim required more time to be found. Mr. Bonnevie indicated that the victim’s avalanche transceiver may have malfunctioned as the victim was found submerged in water. The injured British skier was buried under snow but managed to extricate themselves and has been taken to a hospital in Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office expressed condolences and confirmed awareness of the incident involving the British casualties in France. They assured readiness to provide consular assistance in coordination with local authorities.
