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2025 Archive Index - All Editions

In-Bounds Avalanche Suspends Lift Operation at Big Sky

An in-bounds avalanche at Big Sky Resort, Montana, has temporarily suspended operations of the Swift Current 6 chairlift, according to an update and media release by the ski area on Wednesday. The avalanche occurred in the Bone Crusher area prior to Big Sky’s public opening during avalanche mitigation work, leaving debris in and around the upper lift terminal of Swift Current 6. Ski patrollers present immediately verified that no one had been injured. As is protocol, the Swift Current 6 was stopped ahead of explosive use. After the slide, seven Big Sky team members were left stuck on the chairlift and were removed via rope by ski patrollers.

Update:The Swift Current 6 returned to regular operation at 9:00 a.m. Thursday after undergoing an inspection by Big Sky's mountain operations team, the resort said.
More ... (Powder)

Haute-Savoie Mountain Guide Found Dead In Avalanche

Chamonix, February 5 - A mountain guide has lost his life in an avalanche in the Chamonix Valley, marking the third such tragedy in the area in just over a week. The victim, identified as Christophe Bressand, a 59-year-old experienced professional and teacher at the Jeanne d’Arc College in Chamonix, was on a solo ski touring trip when he was caught in the slide. Rescue teams from the PGHM were alerted on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 4, by the guide’s family, who had not heard from him. A large search operation was immediately launched, involving both ground teams and a helicopter. A specialized unit from Grenoble was also called in to locate the victim’s mobile phone, which was ringing unanswered. Around midnight, the guide’s body was found at over 1,400 meters altitude in the NW facing Griaz torrent sector of Les Houches. His Avalanche transceiver helped rescuers pinpoint his location beneath a large snow slide caused by a recent avalanche, the full extent of which could not be assessed due to the darkness.

Despite an avalanche risk rating of 2 out of 5 according to the day’s forecast, this tragedy adds to a series of fatal accidents in the Northern Alps. In the past ten days, eight people have lost their lives in avalanches in the region. This series of tragedies serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required in the mountains, even for seasoned professionals.
More ... (PisteHors)

In-Bounds Avalanche Suspends Lift Operation at Big SkySnowbird

Nobody caught, most lifts shut down

Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah — After a snowy windy day at Snowbird a tragedy nearly struck. At 2:10 p.m. today (Feb 7?), an inbounds natural avalanche was reported in the area around the Defiance Ledge trail. Ski patrol and avalanche dogs quickly established that no one was caught in the slide. In response, Snowbird closed nearly every chairlift that was operating at around 2:45 p.m., excluding Chickadee which services a limited amount of beginner terrain.
More ... (Unofficial Networks)