France: At Least Six Skiers Killed in Avalanches

Narrative A

Sadly, these deaths come despite persistent warnings from authorities about the dangers of off-piste skiing in these conditions. The current danger of avalanches is bordering between levels 4 and 5 — meaning high and extreme — and absolute vigilance is needed. Officials are stunned by the number of people ignoring safety warnings and heading out into the backcountry without the requisite equipment, such as shovels and tracking beacons.