Andorra Avalanche Death Prompts Urgent Mountain Safety Warnings

A recent fatal avalanche in Freixans, Ordino, has reignited discussions on mountain safety in Andorra, particularly outside ski resorts. Winter draws crowds for skiing and snowshoeing, but experts warn that avalanches remain an unpredictable threat, often underestimated despite advanced forecasting and rescue systems.

Abel Amigó, head of the Mountain Rescue Group (GRM) at the Fire Service, stresses preparation starts before heading out. He urges checking not just the daily Avalanche Danger Bulletin but its historical data to track snowpack evolution and instability. This informs safer routes, especially for backcountry skiing, where established circuits in Andorra avoid high-risk channels and slopes. On site, conditions can shift—fog, wind-formed slabs, or altered snow require constant reassessment. Amigó adds: if fatigue sets in or doubts arise, turn back.

Cristian Pons, director of the Civil Protection Department, echoes the need for advance planning. Campagnes promote daily weather and avalanche checks, matching activities to group skill levels, and avoiding improvisation. In cases of uncertainty, opt for safer paths or skip the outing. Essential gear includes the DVA (avalanche transceiver), shovel, and probe—items that can mean the difference between life and death, provided users know how to operate them. Packs should also carry water, food, a charged phone, and ideally a power bank. Amigó advises a minimum of two people, preferably three, and never going alone.

Aina Margalef, a geosciences doctor and researcher at Andorra Recerca + Innovació (AR+I), highlights snowpack complexity. Avalanches stem from fresh snow, wind slabs, wet snow, slides, or persistent weak layers—buried, hard-to-spot zones that linger for months and trigger massive slides. Even level 2 risk accounts for 39% of accidents, showing misinterpretation of bulletins. On-mountain observations trump forecasts, demanding specific training akin to scuba diving. Preparation, terrain checks, and accident response form the three critical phases.

If caught in an avalanche, Amigó advises swimming motions to stay on top. If buried, curl into a ball, then create an air pocket upon stopping for about 20 minutes of oxygen. Survival hinges on the first 15 minutes: rapid group rescue, proper gear use, and calling 112.

Experts from Fire Service, Civil Protection, and AR+I caution against social media misinformation, urging reliance on official channels and qualified sources.