ALERT: French Alps- Avalanche Causes at Least Four Deaths (February 13, 2017)

February 13, 2017

Alert – French Alps: Avalanche Causes at Least Four Deaths

An avalanche hit the French Alps resort town of Tignes today, leaving at least four people dead. Tignes is located

in eastern France and is close to the Italian border.

According to The New York Times:

“The avalanche — about 100 meters (330 feet) wide and 400 meters (1,300 feet) long —

struck the mountain about 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) in altitude in an off-piste sector

known as Toviere. The area is popular for its extensive slopes and stunning views.”

BBC News reports:

“The group was buried after the wall of snow swept through an off-piste area, police say.

Some reports say there were nine in the group, including a guide, and that the other five

remain missing, trapped in the snow.

However, local police have told the BBC that the other five may have failed to show up

for the session.

The 400-metre (1,300ft) wide avalanche occurred at an altitude of 2,100 metres, and

struck at a particularly busy time during half-term holidays.

The resort is popular with British holidaymakers, but local police said the four dead

skiers were all French nationals.

The avalanche appeared to have been set off by a group of skiers higher up, the ski

station said in a statement.”

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.