Good News Story – George & Charlie with the guy they rescued

A really great picture and good news story – Locals Charlie and George with Chris who they helped rescue after an avalanche under Aiguille du Fruit last Thursday.

George
“We had a pretty relaxed day skinning Creux Noir (lift shut all day) until we saw this guy get mowed down by a massive avalanche over the valley. Triggered under the Aiguille du Fruit at 2450m, NNW. It ran maybe 600m and fanned out 200m wide. His guide was either clear or rode off it and escaped. Fortunately we found him quickly and uncovered his face, it still took 20 minutes to dig him out and half an hour for anyone else (security and helicopter) to show up. He was shaken and bruised, but unharmed. ABS bag helped him I’m sure. Watch out up there…”

Chris
“Two Heroes that saved my life when a 600m long and 200m wide avalanche buried me alive 6 feet under with no air for 6.5 minutes. The snow had set like concrete and I was twisted underneath with tonnes of snow crushing me. They dug me out quickly with the guide and I owe them gratitude for the rest of my life. I was put on this earth to help others, and I enjoy doing that. Luckily for me, and my family, it was George and Charlie help that saved me.”

No need for votes for Hero of the Season in the La Tania Saisonnaire awards this year then…

A week ago the large amount of snow, coupled with high winds and weak layers led to a massive avalanche on Saulire too with the Ugly Sisters couloirs all involved in the slide – This happened during safety control work prior to lift opening and no one was caught – The whole area remained closed for 24 hours for safety work to be completed.

The height of the break where the snow broke away – the width of the avalanche can be seen below with this break visible across the Telepherique Couloir to Grand Couloir area.