It is much higher than previous years and is nearly double the average over the past 50 years. Covid-19 restrictions, the growth in ski touring and unstable snow are to blame. With ski lifts closed in France there was comparatively little.
39 Died in Avalanches in France Last Winter 2nd June 2021
It is much higher than previous years and is nearly double the average over the past 50 years. Covid-19 restrictions, the growth in ski touring and unstable snow are to blame.
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With ski lifts closed in France there was comparatively little precautionary measures taken to trigger avalanches and make slopes/ski areas safe.
Many people also took to ski touring in the off piste – some without the neccessary skills, training and safety equipment.
In addition there was a highly unstable snow pack, particularly in January.
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Thirty-nine people were killed in avalanches in France this winter, a toll much higher than in previous years due in part to COVID-19 restrictions.
According to the National Association for Snow and Avalanche Research (ANENA), this winter s death toll is nearly double the average observed yearly over the past five decades.
The increase is blamed on Nordic skiing, which saw a resurgence this year as ski lifts in France were closed for most of the season as part of measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus. The practice was behind 27 of this year s 29 deadly accidents and 37 deaths.
The weather was another key factor with generally unstable snow cover for much of the season in the Alps throughout the season.