Brit skier, 55, killed in avalanche found after rescuers spotted elbow sticking out from snow on off-piste slope
Brit skier, 55, killed in avalanche found after rescuers spotted elbow sticking out from snow on off-piste slope
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A SKIER who died in a massive avalanche in the French Alps had his body discovered thanks to his elbow still sticking out from the snow. The 55-year-old was swept away on Tuesday afternoon while skiing off-piste in the Chamonix Valley, near Mont Blanc.
![[Snowy mountain valley with ski resort buildings and people sledding.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NINTCHDBPICT000967536330.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The avalanche, which stretched two-thirds of a mile down the slope at Grand Montets in Argentiere, struck as ski patrol was preparing to close the slopes for the day. As they surveyed the area, rescuers noticed something unusual in the deep snow—a single elbow sticking out.
![[Snow-covered village at the foot of a majestic, illuminated mountain range at night.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NINTCHDBPICT000967536313.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It was the only visible trace of the victim. Medics were quickly flown in by helicopter, but despite their efforts, the skier was pronounced dead at the scene. Search teams spent two hours scouring the area, fearing other skiers could be buried. However, no additional victims were found, and the rescue operation was eventually halted due to the high risk of further avalanches.
![[Skiers approaching a snow-covered Alpine village.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e97m53-skiers-snow-slope-approaching-631957497.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Rescuers had initially believed the 55-year-old was British but they have now identified him as a dual national - Portuguese and Brazilian - who had worked in the UK. The man had an apartment in Chamonix and was on holiday. His family has been informed of the tragic death.
![[Blue ice resurgence on a glacier near Mont Blanc.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/blue-ice-resurgence-glacier-close-967536258.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Local authorities described the avalanche as “very large” and warned that conditions on the mountain had been treacherous throughout the day. Strong winds had already forced the closure of the highest lift, the Bochard gondola, as the snowpack became increasingly unstable.
