Two skiers die in off piste accident near Avoriaz

An announcement was made yesterday by the Valais police in Switzerland that two skiers sadly died yesterday in an off piste area on the Swiss border with Avoriaz ski area.

According to the statement, the deceased skiers had left the area of Avoriaz with the intention of heading to the Col de Cou, near the ski area of Champery & Crosets.

A cornice of snow about 2,150 metres long, apparently collapsed underneath the skiers and the 47 year old ski instructor from Morzine and his 59 year old client fell about 50-100 metres.

The Swiss patrol team were the first on the scene and were quickly joined by other emergency workers and a French doctor, who tried in vain to resuscitate the two men.

Our thoughts are with both men's family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.