In a tragic incident in Haute-Savoie, France, two women went skiing in the backcountry near La Chapelle d’Abondance and were reported missing after failing to show up for work on Monday. The local authorities initiated a search, leading to the discovery of their vehicle parked at the trailhead for a ski touring route, raising alarm about their safety. Given the avalanche risk was assessed as 'marked', the area was already under warnings against off-piste skiing, which heightened concerns surrounding their decision to ski in that region.

Search operations commenced promptly, with rescue teams employing helicopters to locate the skiers. They successfully intercepted signals from avalanche beacons, indicating the presence of victims buried beneath the snow. This incident highlights not only the peril involved in backcountry skiing, especially under adverse conditions, but also the urgency of adhering to safety guidelines regarding avalanche risks prevalent in the region at this time of year.

The deaths of these two skiers serve as a grave reminder for outdoor enthusiasts about the inherent dangers associated with skiing in avalanche-prone areas—particularly as winter sports gain popularity. For the community and fellow skiers, these losses underscore the importance of safety measures, as well as the need for heightened awareness around skiing amidst rising avalanche risks, which have been linked to weather patterns and changes in climate.