On Wednesday, 21 Jan 2015, at midday, an avalanche with fatal consequences, occurred on the Valley Blanche above 3,000 meters altitude in the Envers sector, above the Requin refuge.
The victim, a Slovenian man, 30, was recovered from inside the avalanche by Chamonix PGHM and declared dead at the scene. Six other people, in the same party, stayed on the location waiting for the PGHM.
The PGHM has reported that the avalanche was triggered by the skier who died. A large section of harder top crust separated from the layer below and began to carry the skier down the slope. As the avalanche moved down the slope, the section supporting the skier broke up and he became buried inside the avalanche. "He was carried 300 meters inside the avalanche", specified one of the Chamonix PGHM rescuers who recovered his body. The victim was declared dead at the scene.
Every year, thousands of skiers enjoy skiing the Valley Blanche. However, it is not without risk. For those not experienced and not equipped, the Valley Blanche should only be attempted with a High Mountain Guide.
The Chamonix PGHM transported the other six skiers back to Chamonix by helicopter. They all have been declared, "safe and sound".
