2 climbers killed in the Couloir du Gouter
On the first day of the new year gendarmes from the PGHM (mountain-rescue) were called to the assistance of two reported missing climbers. As the start of the afternoon the PGHM's helicopter started it's reconnaissance flight and quickly located two bodies at the foot of the Gouter couloir, and area well known for accidents.
The two victims, of Ukrainian origins, were part of a group of three climbers attempting to ascend Mont Blanc. The third member of the group had elected to stay at the Refuge de Tete Rousse, given the inclement weather conditions which had been prevailing. It was this third climber who raised the alarm when his companions failed to return in good time.
It would seem the climbers who died had reached the Refuge du Gouter but had been forced to turn back before reaching the summit. It is uncertain at this stage whether they set off the avalanche which killed them themselves, or whether a wind-slab broke from the top of the couloir by itself.
This was just one of three fatal incidents this weekend in Savoir and Haute-Savoie.
