Skier Dies in Avalanche in Verbier

A 23 year old Swedish skier was killed yesterday morning following an avalanche in Verbier. The young woman was in a group of four riders who were making the most of Wednesday's blue skies and seemingly perfect off piste skiing conditions following days of heavy snowfall and poor visibility in Verbier.

The 250m long, 100m wide slab avalanche occurred in the off piste area of Col de la Mouche - a frequently skied route to the right of Tortin. The skier was wearing an avalanche airbag but sadly it was not enough to keep her on the surface of the slide.

Rescue teams were quick to arrive on the scene and locate the skier who was properly equipped with an avalanche transceiver. She was then transported by helicopter to hospital in Sion where she subsequently died from her injuries.

The avalanche risk level yesterday was rated at 3 out of 5 (considerable) following heavy snowfall in Verbier and recent high winds. Authorities in Verbier and across the Alps are urging everyone who ventures off piste to be extremely cautious and only to do so if they are properly equipped with avalanche safety gear and know what they are doing.

Our recent interview with Verbier avalanche victim Jamie Muncer warns of the dangers of venturing off piste. If you are planning to head out of bounds, you should consider hiring a mountain professional and at the very least, check the local avalanche bulletin before venturing off piste, make sure you have fresh batteries in your avalanche transceiver, and know how to use your safety equipment.