Three Dead in Multiple Mountain Accidents in the Mont Blanc Massif – PGHM Reports Ten Missions in One Day

Chamonix – 02.07.2026: The Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne (PGHM) of Chamonix recorded an unusually high number of operations in the Mont Blanc massif on Thursday, 2 July 2026. According to authorities, three people died in separate accidents, and a total of ten rescue operations were carried out by air or on the ground. The incidents involved different locations and causes, highlighting the range of alpine hazards at the start of the summer season.

One of the fatal incidents occurred in the Brévent area above Chamonix. A 62-year-old Swiss paraglider crashed at or shortly after takeoff, according to initial findings. Despite rapid alerting, air support and resuscitation attempts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations into the flight path and the condition of the equipment are ongoing.

Another death involved an older hiker who collapsed above the Les Houches ski area. Companions immediately began resuscitation measures, which were continued by the alerted rescue teams. The man could not be stabilized. The judiciary has launched the usual investigations to determine the exact cause of death.

Meanwhile, the PGHM was occupied all day with recoveries, medical evacuations and search operations. According to responders, current summer conditions with strong temperature variations are increasing the risk: rockfall in rocky passages, unstable névé and snow bridges at higher elevations, as well as rapidly changing wind conditions can surprise even experienced mountaineers. In addition, the start of the holiday season is bringing more visitors, which statistically raises the number of incidents and heavily ties up rescue resources.

The prefecture of Haute-Savoie and the Gendarmerie recommend planning tours carefully, checking current weather and avalanche information, and paying special attention to equipment – including a helmet, adequate cold- and sun-protection gear, and reserves of water. For glacier tours, roping up appropriate to the terrain is considered essential; less experienced alpinists are advised to be accompanied by state-certified mountain guides. Paragliding launch sites should only be used in stable conditions, and local guidance from flying schools should be followed.

The responsible authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation in the massif. Names and personal details of the deceased are not being released out of respect for relatives. The PGHM is coordinating further investigations in consultation with the public prosecutor’s office. The sequence of missions on 2 July also highlights the heavy workload of mountain rescuers during the high season and the importance of preventive measures to reduce avoidable emergencies on Mont Blanc.