Two die as slopes in Chamonix open

Friday, 21 May 2021 05:20

Two people have died in separate accidents on the slopes in Chamonix the day the lifts reopened after being closed for the last seven months.

Many skiers took the opportunity to head back to the slopes for the tail end of the season on Wednesday.

The first accident involved a 23-year-old local resident. He triggered an avalanche and fell 700 metres and was buried under 2 metres of snow.

Despite a helicopter rescue crew, he was declared dead at the scene.

The second death was an experienced guide who was also caught up in an avalanche. He also died on the slopes.

More from Bitesize News

Migros loses top slot

Migros has lost the top slot of the leading Swiss retailer to Coop.
Health executive pay should be capped

The top pay of health insurance executives should be capped – says the National Council Social Security and Health Committee.
Large scale crisis exercise this week

Switzerland will hold its first-ever nationwide crisis exercise at the end of this week, testing how federal, cantonal, and local authorities respond to a hybrid threat.
Trump faces domestic pushback over tariffs

President Trump’s tariffs on more than 100 countries, including Switzerland, are under fire from within his own party.
Construction workers take to the streets

Around 2,000 construction workers took to the streets of Geneva yesterday, answering a two-day strike call by local unions.
Basel high SUV parking rates 'excessive'

A heated dispute is unfolding in Basel over parking fees.