WideWorld BULLETIN 15

News in brief

Fear for avalanche winter

A string of avalanches has had rescue authorities worried that this season could mirror the infamous ‘winter of terror’.

The so called winter of terror of 1950-51 saw 265 people die in only three months, as weather conditions combined, resulting in a freak level of avalanche disasters.

The last week has seen five Britons killed in avalanches. Liverpudlian Nigel Jackson was hit by an avalanche on Christmas day in Chamonix, and an unnamed 28-year-old hiker was hit whilst walking the GR20 route days later. Three climbers have also died in Scotland.

Authorities in the Alps are warning that mild temperatures and high rain levels are weighing down the snow, advising those enjoying winter sports to be especially cautious and avoid going off-piste.

Wengen Tragedy

The body of a 23-year-old who went missing in the Swiss ski resort of Wengen has been found.

Newcastle University graduate Myles Robinson went missing in the early hours on December 22nd, after walking a friend back from a bar in the resort. His family, who he was on holiday with, raised the alarm the next day.

A body was recovered on December 29th in a river outside the resort and identified shortly after as Robinson.

All the gear

Ralph Lauren has brought out a new ski jacket for those who like to stay image conscious on the slopes.

The RLX Aerotype is hardly a bargain at $1,290, but its special features include Bluetooth iPod controls, and – on a more practical note – a navigation system that can be used to pinpoint a person buried under snow.