Two skiers tragically lost their lives due to an avalanche near the Grand Tourmalet ski resort in the Hautes-Pyrénées on January 26. The victims, aged 60 and 70, had set off for what was intended to be a morning ski adventure, but when their families failed to hear from them by the afternoon, concern turned to alarm.
According to reports, the families alerted the Peloton de gendarmerie de haute montagne (PGHM) around 4:30 PM after failing to establish contact with the men. Responding swiftly to the call, PGHM dispatched helicopters to the area, attempting to scout for the skiers even as strong winds associated with storm Herminia hampered visibility and safety.
"We received the alert from the families and immediately deployed resources, including the Choucas 65 helicopter, to search the designated area," reported a PGHM member. Despite their best efforts, the rescue team was unable to locate any signs of the skiers after the initial aerial overflights. It soon became apparent the situation was dire when their vehicle was found abandoned at the trailhead.
Faced with deteriorated weather conditions, the PGHM team devised alternative strategies. They attempted to geo-locate the missing men using their mobile phones and the avalanche safety system they were equipped with, but these efforts proved futile. Throughout the night, rescue teams continued their search on the ground, employing quads and thermal drones to scan the area.
The search intensified when local ski patrollers reported sighting trail marks which provided new leads. After several hours of searching, the rescuers’ efforts paid off. They found the bodies of the two men buried under snow near the closed black run they had ventured onto.
"They were experienced and had all the necessary equipment, especially related to avalanche risk," emphasized the PGHM. Tragically, their choice to ski on the closed run, due to conditions deemed too perilous for public access, would cost them their lives. The area was experiencing unusually high winds and snow accumulation, leading to significant avalanche danger.
The locals echoed the horror of this event. "It’s heartbreaking, these men knew the mountain well and had been skiing for years," said one local ski instructor. "But the conditions were vicious, and nature can be unforgiving."
Météo France had issued warnings about avalanche risk due to the impending storm, underscoring the necessity of respecting closed routes during such hazardous weather.
Despite the victims being properly equipped with avalanche victim detectors—tools intended to assist rescuers— the circumstances of their burial under the snow prevented any timely recovery. "They were perfectly equipped, as they were wearing avalanche detectors," noted the PGHM as they recounted the rescue efforts. Unfortunately, timing played against them.
Following the harrowing discovery, family members were informed of the tragic outcome. The incident sheds light on the ever-present risks of mountain sports, particularly during the winter season when conditions can shift quickly.
"This tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictability of the mountains," stated another member of PGHM. "We urge all skiers and outdoor enthusiasts to stay updated on weather conditions and heed the advice of local authorities before heading out."
Communities mourn the loss, highlighting the need for increased awareness of the dangers presented by avalanches, especially attacking areas designated as off-limits. The lives lost this past weekend will not soon be forgotten, leaving behind not just the painful memories for their families but also pressing calls for remembrance and respect for the fine line between adventure and safety.