For the second time in 7 days, the Aiguille Verte, a 4000m peak in the Mont-Blanc massif, claims another life.
A 21-year-old man from the Arve Valley lost his life on the morning of Wednesday, June 7, while trying to ski down the Cordier Couloir on the north face of the Aiguille Verte (4,122 m).
Accompanied by a friend with whom he had just climbed the Couturier Couloir, the young mountaineer started a ski descent of the Cordier Couloir. This is one of the steepest routes in the Mont Blanc massif.
The descent was going well, but after 1500m he lost control of his skis and fell, most likely taking a head injury with a consequent loss of consciousness, so that the fall continued uncontrolled for 600 metres.
His companion called the Chamonix High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM). They mobilised a Choucas 74 helicopter and were on location within minutes. They attempted to stabilize the skier who had suffered multiple traumas. The emergency treatment was in vain and the victim was declared dead at the scene.
His body was recovered by helicopter to the Drop Zone at the Bois du Bouchet, Chamonix.
His fellow rider was recovered by the PGHM helicopter from the mid point of the couloir. He was unharmed but in no emotional state to continue the descent of the couloir. He was transported to the Bois du Bouchet.
An investigation was opened to shed light on this brutal tragedy that recalls another similar fatal accident that occurred a month earlier in the Couturier corridor.
Le Dauphiné
