February 15, 2025 – Arvillard, Savoie – A tragic avalanche has struck the North-West couloir of the Grands Moulins (2495m) in the Belledonne Massif on Saturday, claiming the life of a 30-year-old woman and seriously injuring two others. The three ski tourers were caught in the slide around noon while traversing the sector, according to emergency responders.
The two surviving victims were airlifted to hospitals in Grenoble and Chambéry with severe injuries. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the group was equipped with avalanche transceivers.
Rescue Efforts and Avalanche Conditions
Emergency services deployed three teams, including two helicopters and a ground crew, to respond to the incident. Despite rapid intervention, one skier succumbed to the avalanche. Authorities said the group were traversing under the the North-West couloir at the time of the accident and the slide was triggered by a skier near the top of the couloir around 2400 meters. The alert was given by eye witnesses. There were about 20 ski tourers in the sector in various groups. The skier who triggered the slide was able to traverse out of the couloir and climb back to the summit.
Météo-France rated the avalanche risk at 3 out of 5 for the day, indicating a considerable danger level. The avalanche bulletin warned of wind-transported snow creating unstable accumulations, especially above 2000 meters:
"Recent snowfall has been heavily influenced by the wind, forming deposits of varying thicknesses on an inconsistent snowpack. Multiple reports suggest that these slabs can fracture easily under a skier’s weight."
Warning Signs Observed the Day Before
A ski tourer who explored the same sector on Friday reported significant instability in the snowpack. The individual described experiencing small slab failures underfoot while ascending and noted increasing wind strength by midday, which was actively transporting large amounts of snow.
"We decided to turn back due to the conditions. While descending, I triggered a small surface slab—about 15 cm thick—but it was a frightening moment," the tourer recounted.
These observations align with the avalanche bulletin’s warnings, highlighting the risks posed by wind-drifted snow and potential slab fractures.
A Deadly Season Continues
This incident adds to an already grim tally for the winter season in the Northern Alps, where 13 fatalities have now been recorded due to avalanches in off-piste areas.
Skiers and mountaineers are urged to remain vigilant, check avalanche forecasts, and adopt safety precautions, including carrying essential rescue equipment such as avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes. Proper risk assessment and cautious route selection remain crucial in these hazardous conditions.