Skier Survives 36 Hours Trapped in French Alps Crevasse
A solo skier endured broken legs and freezing conditions after a massive avalanche.
1Avalanche Triggers Alpine Crisis
A 39-year-old skier was swept into a deep crevasse on November 8 while attempting to summit the 10,932-foot Pointe Sommeiller. The incident occurred near the French-Italian border after the man triggered a slab avalanche. He suffered severe injuries, including a fractured femur and a broken lower leg, during the fall.
2Survival Under The Surface
Trapped without cellular service, the skier crawled the length of a football field inside the crevasse. He navigated a sloping passage to reach a chamber approximately 50 feet beneath the snow surface. Despite his broken legs, he actively searched for an exit before eventually becoming stranded in the freezing, dark environment.
3Search Operations Begin
A concerned relative reported the skier missing late on November 8, triggering an immediate search effort. Rescue teams operated until 2 A.M. but were forced to suspend activities due to the high risk of secondary avalanches. Operations resumed the following morning when a helicopter spotted clear signs of the slide activity.
4Five Hours of Excavation
Search teams spent over five hours digging through heavy snow to reach the victim. Rescuers first uncovered the man's discarded skis and backpack before hearing his voice from 50 feet below. The victim remained conscious throughout the ordeal, though he was suffering from significant hypothermia when the rescue crews finally arrived.
5Complex Extraction Procedure
The rescue operation involved 22 officers from the CRS mountain-rescue unit, six military police, and three helicopters. Rescuers used a specialized stretcher and winch system to extract the man from the crevasse. He was then lowered 650 vertical feet down the mountain before being airlifted to a hospital in southeastern France.
6Technical Terrain Challenges
Pointe Sommeiller is known for its steep, technical terrain, attracting experienced backcountry enthusiasts. The skier had spent the previous night in a mountain hut after leaving the village of Bramans on November 7. He switched to crampons for the final ascent, which ultimately led to the slab avalanche that trapped him.
7Official Rescue Warnings
Major Yoann Haberey of the CRS Alpes unit described the survival as a miracle, noting that forecasted snowfall would have prevented further search attempts. Following the successful extraction, the CRS Savoie team issued a stern warning to mountain travelers. They emphasized the importance of monitoring current conditions and knowing when to retreat.
8Safety Lessons for Mountaineers
The rescue team stressed that the mountain will always remain for future attempts, urging skiers to prioritize safety over summits. This incident highlights the extreme risks of solo backcountry trips in high-altitude zones. Proper route planning, equipment preparation, and the willingness to turn back remain essential protocols for all alpine winter activities.
Original article: Outside — Skier Survives 36 Hours Trapped in French Alps Crevasse