Avalanche on ski slope: Statement by Mathieu Dechavanne, Chairman & CEO of Compagnie du Mont-Blanc

The incident in the La Flégère ski area is an extremely rare phenomenon in a secured zone.

The snow conditions observed in recent days were particularly atypical:

Very significant accumulations at altitude due to persistent snowfall

Pronounced wind transport creating overloads and slab formation on a permanently buried weak layer

Rapid thawing and strong warming, leading to loss of snow cover

The combination of these factors may have led to residual instability upstream of the existing release systems.

Two Gazex units are located below the defined starting zone; the turning point observed yesterday occurred beyond the scenarios usually modeled. In 40 years, we have never seen an avalanche at this location. Ski patrols monitored the area throughout the day to track developments.

For several years, we have been observing changes in snow dynamics: alternating periods of intense snowfall, strong winds, and sudden thaws. These configurations, likely amplified by climate change, make risk analysis more complex and are of particular concern to us.

We are integrating these developments into our PIDAs and into the continuous adaptation of our safety systems.

This incident will be the subject of an in-depth technical analysis in order to precisely identify this new starting point and adjust our prevention measures accordingly.

Safety remains our top priority.

The mountains are a dynamic natural environment that requires expertise, forecasting, and constant improvement of our practices.

Thank you to everyone (77 people) who came to assist us (instructors, guides, skiers, public services, etc.). Fortunately, the three buried individuals escaped unharmed.