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Avalanche Danger at Level 4 Across Alps as Heavy Snow Kills Three Off-Piste Skiers

Forecasters say fresh snow over persistent weak layers has created easily triggered slabs that can release large avalanches.

Overview

  • Météo France maintains a strong (4/5) avalanche risk across most Alpine massifs and several Pyrenean sectors through the weekend, warning that instability is widespread.
  • Two off-piste skiers died at Val-d’Isère after being buried under roughly 2.5 meters of snow without avalanche beacons, with rescuers locating them via their mobile phones.
  • Another skier was killed in a separate avalanche at Arêches-Beaufort, and a companion was hospitalized in serious condition after being heard by a pisteur.
  • Ex-storm Goretti brought heavy snowfall and strong winds that built wind slabs, with fresh accumulations reaching around a meter above 2,000 meters in parts of the northern Alps.
  • Authorities restricted heavy-goods traffic in six northeastern departments, the A36 experienced closures and long delays, and emergency shelters housed stranded travelers in the Tarentaise.