The avalanche swept away a roped party from the mountain guide course in Val di Rhemes (Aosta), in the Tsanteleina area.
According to sources, the leader of the roped party, Matteo Giglio, 49, a mountain guide from Val d'Aosta, narrowly missed being caught in the snow slide and, though injured, managed to make his way down to the valley and raise the alarm.
The alarm was received by both Italian and French rescue teams.
Several attempts to approach the area by helicopter were made, however adverse weather conditions – snow at high altitudes and clouds – made any operation impossible.
The teams made up of technicians from the Valle d’Aosta Alpine Rescue and Alpine Rescue from the Guardia di Finanza were eventually set down above the Benevolo refuge (at an altitude of 2300 metres) and are proceeding by land towards the avalanche area reported by mountaineers.
Three aspiring mountain guides remain missing under the snow.
ANSA
