Where to Ski And Snowboard - FWT champion dies in avalanche

FWT champion dies in avalanche

19th April 2016, by Abi Butcher

Freeride World Tour champion snowboarder Estelle Balet has been killed in an avalanche. Photo: facebook.com/estellebalet

The freeride community is in mourning following the news that Freeride World Tour champion snowboarder Estelle Balet has been killed in an avalanche.

The 22-year-old two-time women’s champion was making a film in Le Portalet, Switzerland early this morning, when the couloir she was snowboarding avalanched.

The Freeride Wold Tour said in a statement: “The Freeride community has experienced a tremendous loss today as we learned that one of the most hopeful young talents and current snowboard World Champion, Estelle Balet, has tragically passed away in an avalanche. The mortal avalanche occurred earlier this morning in the canton of Valais.

“Estelle Balet was a naturally gifted shining star and demonstrated remarkable talent as she quickly became a household name on the Freeride World Tour, bringing home her second title as World Champion just a few weeks ago in Verbier. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Estelle Balet as we send our deepest sympathy and condolences during this very difficult time.”

Estelle won the championship this year and in 2015. She was filming for a project called Explore the Known when she was caught in the avalanche — and posted the above picture on her Facebook page last Sunday with the caption: “Pretty awesome to get to snowboard with such a view!! Can’t wait for more filming next week”.

Although the FWT champion was dug out from the slide by the time rescuers arrived on the scene, they were unable to revive her.