A 48 year old man and his 12 year old son, both British nationals, died in an accident while trekking above Chamonix Mont-Blanc, over the weekend of 16-17 March 2013.
The trekkers were on a route to The Junction but their equipment, for this trek, on a snow covered route, was not suitable.
They were wearing regular hiking boots but should have been in mountain boots, using crampons as appropriate, roped up and equipped with ice axes.
Mr. Peter Saunders and his son, Charlie, were following a popular summer route from Chamonix up to The Junction where The Bossons and The Tacconaz glaciers split. This route always requires prudence and until the snow clears, it can be very difficult to navigate.
The mayor of Chamonix, Eric Fournier, has some clear advice. "Sadly, they should have never chosen this route, which is not a recognized winter route. If they would have taken the time to go to the Maison du Montagne (site in limited English, Italian and French), and seek free advice from the professionals located there. They would have taken a different route for their adventure".
The track navigates the north-east side of the ridge between the two glaciers and there is plenty of risk of falling one to two hundred feet and in a few more exposed places, more than that.
It is understood that the son fell first, at about 2.55pm on Saturday. The father alerted the Mountain Police in Annecy by telephone. Then, he tried to reach his son, but it is understood fell also. By 3.30pm the PGHM had dispatched a helicopter to conduct a search. They were unable to locate the trekkers but an extensive search shortly followed, between 4pm and 7pm and a further brief search between 8.20pm and 8.50pm. These searches was not successful. On Sunday morning at 7am, with further information, a photo from the location sent by Peter Saunders to his wife by mobile phone, the PGHM conducted a further search of the accident site and at about 7.40am two bodies were located. The cause of death has not been reported at this time.
Hikers and all people venturing unguided into the mountains, should have considerable experience and the number of the PGHM +33 (0)4 50 53 16 89 in their mobile phone. This number should only be called in case of emergency. It is not an advice line.
