Mont Fort in Verbier opens
Thursday February 12, 2009 - Email this article to a friend

The top lift in the Swiss resort is now open and PlanetSKi was there to film it. Sadly a person was caught in a big avalanche off the back of Mont Fort on Monday.

It was a near perfect opening with shed loads of fresh snow and a beautiful blue sky. In fact it wasn't near perfect, it was perfect.

However, the area is also treacherous as we explained in the film.

On Monday a Swiss woman in her 60's was buried in an avalanche while skiing off the back of Mont Fort with a qualified ski instructor. She is seriously ill in hospital and her condition remains dangerous.

It's thought she comes from the Geneva area.

She was in a group of 7 and none of the others was injured in the incident.

The area is a notorious off piste run and should only be attempted with a mountainguide or qualified guide as several people lose their lives each winter, either by being caught in an avalanche or falling onto rocks and over cliffs.

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