Avalanches in the Alps
It comes after the heavy snow at the weekend that was accompanied by strong winds.
One person died near La Grave in the southern French Alps with another person injured in the same side.
The pair was ski touring
The injured man is being treated for serious injuries in hospital in Grenoble.
In the south of Switzerland on Sunday there was a Level 4 risk (high).
On Monday it was lowered to Level 3, the same as much of the rest of the Swiss Alps.
Avalanche danger in Switzerland on Monday 16th March. Image c/o Swiss Avalanche Institute.
More than 1m of snow has fallen in places in Switzerland with some roads closed.
Parts of the French Alps are also on a Level 3 alert meaning there is ‘considerable’ risk.
A ski tourer was dug out of an avalanche near Le Grand Bornand on Sunday.
A number of others were caught but managed to free themselves.
“Here in Morzine there is ‘considerable’ risk but the temperatures are high with the snow off piste wet and heavy, so few people are venturing away from the marked runs,” said PlanetSKI’s James Cove who is in the French resort.
Morzine, France, 16th March 2026. Image © PlanetSKI
The total number of fatalities so far this year is above the annual average, but within the expected range in a dangerous winter.
The average is 104 deaths, but this season there have been 127 so far.
French Alps. 16th March 2026. Image © PlanetSKI
The authorities are urging caution off piste and advising people to wait until the snow settles and the risk drops.
Avalanche sign. Image © PlanetSKI
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