Where to Ski And Snowboard - Tignes in mourning after avalanche

Tignes in mourning after avalanche

14th February 2017, by Abi Butcher

More than 100 people were involved in the rescue of skiers in Tignes

The ski resort of Tignes is in mourning today after four skiers died yesterday in a massive avalanche.

At 10:30am yesterday morning, a 400m wide avalanche was triggered on the Lavachet wall in the Toviere area of Tignes, burying six snowboarders. Two of the six were pulled out alive, but four others, including a father, his 19-year-old son and 49-year-old French instructor, have died.

A massive search was triggered involving avalanche dogs and their handlers, two helicopters, piste machines and more than 100 people including snow patrollers, ski instructors and members of the public. Initially it was thought that five others were with the group buried but they were later found safe and well.

One eye witness skiing in Tignes yesterday told WTSS: “I was skiing on the opposite side and could see the slab and line of probers. I immediately called it a day.”

The avalanche risk in Tignes yesterday was three on a scale of five, and the incident occurred on a north-west facing slope at 2,100m on a warm morning after several days of strong winds.

Reports say the group was on foot at the time, carrying snowboards, and that the slab avalanche was triggered by skiers further up the slope.