Pyrenees Avalanche Kills Three Skiers

by Jordan Yerman | January 4, 2008 at 07:37 am

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Every skier and snowboarder's worst nightmare: avalanches are deadly
business, and those caught in one can be killed within minutes. Without
beacons (and the knowledge of how to use them), rescue efforts are
mainly down to luck.

The body of a third skier killed by an avalanche that struck the Formigal resort in Huesca province at around 10.30am this morning, has been recovered.

It has been confirmed that the three victims were skiing off the main descents in the Anayer zone despite a level four avalanche alert for off-piste slopes issued to skiers before the resort opened this morning.
[...]
An information line has been opened by the ARAMÓN Group for those concerned about friends or relatives: 976 229 132.

Three skiers have died after being buried in an avalanche at a ski centre in the Spanish Pyrenees.

Mountain rescue teams said they were found in an off-piste area near the resort of Formigal.

Two of the skiers died while rescuers tried to resuscitate them, but the body of the third was discovered later.

The avalanche occurred on Friday morning and the centre said a warning had been issued for off-piste areas because of recent heavy snowfalls.

The Mayor of Sallent de Gállego, the municipality where the Formigal resort is found, José Ignacio Urieta, said that local rescue teams from the resort had taken part in the search with the Guardia Civil high mountain teams using dogs and scanners, together with a 112 helicopter and local volunteers.

If you're going to ski out-of-bounds, make sure that you aren't alone, and that you and your partners are prepared for avalanches: training, equipment and teamwork can lower the risk.