This Day in History February 10, 1970

Another sad day in history to share with all of you.  On this date in 1970, the worst avalanche occurred in Val D'isere, France.  Thirty-nine people, mostly young boys, were killed.  Here is how the story played out.

This particular ski resort was operated by a non-profit group that attracted young skiers.  The morning of that fateful day, most of the occupants of the hotel were eating breakfast in the large room facing the mountain.. Without warning, there was a terrific noise followed by 100,000 cubic yards came crashing down the mountain and into the window.  Trail workers were instantly killed, and people within the hotel were alternately thrown aside and buried by the horrific avalanche.  Cars were stopped on the road, and in some places, the snow was 100 yards deep. 

Sixty other people were injured (in addition to the 39 dead).  The president of France ordered the evacuations of nearby resorts which proved to be a great idea.  There was a chain reaction of avalanches within the next few days.

For more information, please check out:

http://www.mannecy.fr/23314-avalanche-a-val-d-isere.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/avalanches/casestudies.shtml#53

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/avalanche-buries-skiers-in-france

This Day in History September 4, 1618

Looking at this picture, you would never know what tragedy befell this place on this date in 1618.  This is the site of one of the 10 deadliest avalanches in history.  It was known as the "Rodi" avalanche, and it completely wiped out Purls, Switzerland.  There were no survivors.  There were four residents who were vacationing, and you can imagine their shock and horror when they returned to find all their friend, families, and homes gone.  The town itself had 1,500 inhabitants--all who died except four.  However, the full death toll was 2,427.  That would mean that people from surrounding areas must have been killed as well.  

I have never lived anywhere near avalanches.  I cannot imagine how terrifying it would be to essentially be buried alive. The worst thing I ever had happen to was a tree crashing through my roof.  That was scary enough, but I lived to tell about it.

For more information, check out these sites:

• http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/mountains/news-10-worst-avalanches-history?image=9
• http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/avalanches/casestudies.shtml#10