He was roped up with a compatriot, who was unhurt.

The accident occurred at an altitude of about 2600 metres.

The two were descending along a wrong route and in a thunderstorm, said the Valle d’Aosta Alpine Rescue service, which was on the scene.

For reasons yet to be ascertained, the man fell about 200 metres.

The other climber raised the alarm and was taken to Courmayeur at the request of the Entrèves Alpine Rescue of the Guardia di Finanza tax police, who are in charge of investigation operations.

ANSA