I was into rock climbing when I was a much younger man. One of the "experts" told me he never went on "lead climbs" because rather than being the safety mechanism it's purported to be, it's actually a suicide pact. The problem with experts is that they will go so long without any problems, that they become overconfident and start to cut corners.
I’m a rock climber. what is the safety mechanism you’re referring to? A lead climb is a thing you do, not a device or mechanism. Not being difficult, just curious and a bit confused.
@@sc3kuI’m guessing they’re referring to trad or sport climbing outdoors with multi-pitches. Since the belayer and climber are connected by rope, if something goes wrong, it could take out both climbers.
So true. A friend is a stunt man and he says that. He lost his business partner because he was doing set up for a movie stunt and fell off a step ladder hitting his head. He routinely jumped off high rises into a bag yet slipped off a darn step ladder.
I had a friend who loved hiking. He died in his 20s when he fell off a cliff. At his funeral his hiking friends made a point of saying that he was always safety conscious and never wreckless but the risk of tragic accident is always there and each of them accepts that risk in the pursuit of the joy and fulfilment this activity brings to their lives. So while it's absolutely tragic and unwanted that a life is cut short, it was a life lived to the fullest.
I have a cousin who lives the "free climbing", wilderness backpacking, sky diving, base jumping lifestyle. A few months ago on Thanksgiving he went base jumping and really messed up his leg. The family was all "Oh, we're here for you and this is so terrible that this happened!" And all I could think is, he risks his life constantly like this. This is the expected outcome given the number of times he's done this. The only responsible thing he's ever done is purposely not have kids so he could continue this lifestyle.
March 21 is already quite late in the season to undertake that kind of activity in Switzerland. Snow is usually more stable in the second half of January and in February. There are two kind of avalanches: dry ones (unstabilized fresh powdery snow, occuring mostly at the beginning of the season or after days of heavy snowfall) and wet ones (mostly at the end of the season). In March whole patches may become instable, and snow is mostly old and therefore well stabilized but can loose its connection with the ground as the layer touching the ground might melt. So large sheets of snow may suddendly break off. And it's rather heavy, compacted snow, too, which then rushes downwards, taking everything with it. There's basically no way of getting out of that kind of heavy snow by oneself if buried 6 feet under. Looks like the guides did only have a partial understanding of the dangers, otherwise they would have avoided steep slopes at that time of year. Detailed forecasts for avalanche risk were already available online in Switzerland when this unlucky chick wasn't even born.
Correct. I was caught up in an avalanche whilst climbing (on skins) on a school trip up to the St Bernard monastery in the early 60’s. Out of around 25 students only 3 of us were caught, thankfully surviving. The Swiss instructor, who was behind us, came out worse. His left leg was disjointed at the knee, ruining his career for ever.
I don't know the first thing about avalanches, but isn't 48? Did he say? Kind of warm? And that looks too steep if it's not frozen solid. Then they went as the last skiers two at once. Seems risky.
Actually, no, people continue ski touring at that altitude until well into May, where, when, and for how long depending on weather, snow conditions, and previous conditions during the winter. I can't comment on the risks without knowing more about the avalanche dangers announced at the time, and the dangers of slopes of that steepness with that aspect in that region on the day. But as far as I know investigations did not turn up any major grave errors by the guides. It may not have saved lives in this instance, but a definite avoidable error was allowing more than one person to descend at the same time, no one does this anymore unless they are asking for trouble. BTW, very steep slopes are usually less dangerous than less steep ones, for various reasons. Highest danger for dry and slab avalanches is 30-45°.
They were late in 2 ways, late in the season and late in the day. If you're going to ski warm, wet, consolidated late season snow pack, you've got to be off of it by or shortly after when the sun hits it. Which could mean getting up at 4 am and being done skiing by 11. Another factor I see constantly is the ego/recreational skiers/"mountaineers" can't go onto the mountains sober. They have to be drinking or drugging and usually have head phones in. I don't make turns much anymore, I much prefer to go on 7-10 day solo ski trips but I do it in terrain and at temps that are deadly. (40-) A big reason I've been able to safely solo for decades in this terrain and conditions is that I'm entirely mentally and spiritually present and not distracted. I don't take drugs or booze, I don't take any kind of music or listening device, I don't even take a book with me. (I took books with when I was first starting out) When I go out, I want to experience fully where I'm at and what I'm doing. If it's good, booze or drugs won't make it better and, if it's bad, I want to experience the badness fully. I suppose it's like having sex. There are people who want to get drunk, high or listen to music while they're fucking. I've always wondered WHY? Isn't the activity fun enough on it's own?
You should check out the dyatlov pass incident. That was a weird avalanche that caused such weird injuries in those five people that it was a mystery for a very long time.
Ikr? It’s always hard to imagine that snow in an avalanche or something like mud in a mudslide could be so damaging but it’s an inconceivable amount and the momentum gained…and these forces help to “gather” anything in their wake like trees and boulders. As well as any man made objects in the swath. Just awful. 😢
@@thelostroninthe weird part was wild animals eating bodies. It's Urban legend mostly due lack of proper raporting from Soviet times. Most of weird part of it was just made up due lack of proper documentation back then and how social media function today. More views aka less truth.
My son died in an avalanche backcountry skiing a little over a year ago. He was with two "experts" according to the county sheriff. He had even purchased an extra snowmobile so the three of them could ski together. I told him they we going to get him killed, but of course he didn't listen. The sheriff said he'd give these "experts" my number, but they never called.
I was in Vail in 2023 on a ski trip and read about this accident. Sad this happened to someone so young but if you've lived and played in the mountains, whether it's Colorado or Switzerland, you have a different mind set about them. Interestingly, in 2023 the back bowls of Vail were closed when the warm weather conditions in early April created avalanche conditions. They didn't reopen for the rest of the season.
I'm from Colorado, and closing slopes is just a thing. I wonder if there is a difference in risk/personal responsibility between Switzerland and Colorado that contributed to the decision to participate. America has a lot of standards for people's safety that don't exist in other parts of the world. And on the flip side, Americans sometimes appear to have little common sense.
@@ajnasreddin Probably is a cultural thing. I spent a lot of summers in Switzerland as a kid and me and my siblings, all younger than me, were allowed to go on our own, hiking in the mountains and staying overnight in huts for up to 3 days. I was about 17, my sister 15 and brother 13. No adults, no money, no cell phones. No accidents but we just missed being under a rock avalanche. I have a European background so maybe that's the difference.
Very sad. I think that kind of wealth CAN cause a person to lose their gut instinct to some degree. Everything is on a platter for them unlike someone whose life is just normal. Being in the norm you use your gut more and your common sense thinking skills, too....because you simply have to.
Agree with you. Whether gut instinct is lost, or just never fully has opportunities to develop in the first place, when protected by a comfortable upbringing. Living on a more "norm" level, along with families who also may have their challenging moments, may create more necessity to explore the gleaning of, and putting into practise, "common sense", and may promote a more natural development of that gut instinct.
The high risk and adrenaline lifestyle her parents got her hooked on is what killed her. Skiing and other similar sports like this always carry a reasonably HIGH threat that you will die no matter what, no matter how much experience or assistance you have, or how much money you spend.
@@Starry2000don’t know that that is accurate. It also depends on the type of skiing or climbing. It’s a spectrum. Roped climbing in a gym? Fairly safe. Roped climbing outdoors? Not as safe. Doing free-soloing? Yeah, very appreciable chance of death or serious injury.
I don’t think that’s true all the time, I’ve heard of some men skiers. I forgot the names of them, but they were on a very low budget not of course going to Swiss school, but they would just work hard to earn money and then they were into dangerous mountain climbing on high mountains in South America and also near Nepal but they were not well off they were adventuresome and they were just a grade above poor. They were British and some of their group of friends were in an avalanche, some survived and some did not.
I have several friends that knew her :( I believe she was a ski racer... Tony Seibert, whose grandfather (Peter Seibert) founded Vail, also died in an avalanche in 2014 at the age of 24... I was a ski racer for 13 years and qualified for the Junior Olympics 7x. I never have and never will ski in the backcountry. My dad was heli skiing in BC in the 70's and the other group was caught in an avalanche...he and others in the group that were in the helicopter at the time had to dig up all of the dead bodies...my dad dug up two friends... please know what you are doing if you go into backcountry -- even expert Olympic ski racers (famously Buddy Werner) die in avalanches. Edit: Shame on those of you calling her deplorable names…smdh … just because her parents were rich?!
I was a ski instructor out west, doing crazy and high risk things with friends. Yet, none of us could accept the danger of backcountry skiing, and did not do it.
Excellent post. Thank you for sharing your stories. It sounds to me like you would have been a much better guide at the school that the one who ignored the elevated risk of avalanche warnings on that day. It seems like a school preparing young people for their future would better teach them about risk assessment and how unstoppable nature can suddenly become - rather than taking them on wild and risky adventure, the enticing pristine beauty of the backcountry notwithstanding.
You don't have to ski or even climb. Just hiking a trail can be deadly in a mountain. One foot slip, one tiny tumble, and you can go over an edge, or just fall and hit your head on a rock. I love mountaineering, and reduce risk as much as I can, but I know each time I go out can quite reasonably be my last.
@@michelleobrien6996 that said, they were being guided. A guide is expected to do the right thing not the fun thing. I'm not a mountain leader but I know many great ones. They will risk having clients being angry rather than go dangerous. Trivial example: friend was hired to do a ridge with a group. On the day he didn't like the direction of the wind and took them up another ridge angled differently. The group were not happy. A few hours into a climb they saw the ridge they wanted to tackle, there was a group on it. They were on their hands & knees crawling forward due to winds trying to push them over the edge. The group thanked the leader of course, "you were right."
This has everything to do with the true dangers of delegation of risk/trust of authority. The parents & students delegated the risk to the school. The School delegated the risks to the guides. The Guides were reckless. The true risk was obscured. Many small or large scale disasters can happen exactly this way.
We need more risk assessment panels and oversight committees... NO! Wait! How about we try individual responsibility and accountability first? That just might work.
Individuals need information. Risk assessment can be very precise. It is true that having gained the professional advise one should still use best judgement!
It's the same technique you use when being shot at, you disperse, then, if it is possible, the uninjured go back to help the wounded. Normally, when abandoning a ship, you stick together, however, during WW2, my father and his colleagues in the Navy were instructed to spread out as the Japanese aviators would fire at lifeboats and people who were in the water.
Enjoyed today's analysis even more than usual, Dr Grande. Thankyou, it was thoughtful, to contrast the way the idea of "risk" may be interpreted, with regard to the perspective that a young adult may have. Also the fact that sometimes the protection of a wealthy family can expose the youngsters to situations that involve risk, without them having a previous awareness of just how dangerous a "risk" can be.
That time of year is also the most dangerous time for avalanches as parts of snow and packed ice can warm and then slip and then create massive force as it gains momentum…argh.
I was in a warzone at 20 years of age. My comrades and I were highly skilled but knew that our environment at that time was never present during the morning briefings.
The parents imprinted a high-risk lifestyle onto their child and got the expected results. They probably would have been better off just introducing her to drugs at 5. Crap like this needs to be acknowledged for what it is.
@@Starry2000skiing isn’t high a high risk lifestyle. Unlike substance abuse, skiing has many positive benefits. Having a hobby you enjoy and keeps you physically in shape actually can discourage someone from doing drugs.
I did so many reckless and stupid things in youth that I'm amazed to be still alive, whole, and without a criminal record. But it was an exhilarating ride.
My friend went to school in Switzerland. He was a poor student because he had to fly commercial. They're filled with very rich, very neglected young people. My friend came home a heroin addict and he wasn't the only one.
I liked Switzerland. It's expensive, true, but it's still a great place. The Alps, glaciers and back country terrain are always dangerous. The only true safety is not to go or do anything. Life is dangerous.
@@mountainstream8351 In my case, climbing trees and cliffs, riding my bike at ridiculous speeds, walking on the parapet of a bridge 30feet above the railway. Then there were things like fording a river in full spate. And we didn’t have skateboards but we had roller-skates and no helmets or joint protectors. Of course I mustn’t forget the “parachute” experiment, jumping off the garage roof holding an umbrella. When I was a bit older there were “catapult battles” that could easily take out an eye. And, naturally, I went through a “bomb-making” phase using weed killer and sugar. Plus the overconfidence of youth, jaywalking between fast moving traffic, leaping from the platform of old fashioned busses, while they were still moving “at a good clip”. That sort of stuff that we did back in the days when childhood was a rough and tumble adventure not the carefully curated “adventure experience” that it is today. There was a downside, of course. More kids died or were maimed than nowadays.
80,000$ a year to learn pottery and silversmithing? For that kind of money, I would think that the students would be lectured by Nobel Laureate physicists and NASA astronomers.
I was under the impression that students took traditional subjects. The pottery and silversmithing were extracurriculars. It’s not clear from the video.
It sounds beautiful.. Maybe they need to change the ratings and restrictions attached to them. Moderate should now mean, High risk.... Yes, that sport has risks as you can never underestimate mother nature - but I'm sure the kids felt safe with the guides. Very sad.
Omg I didn't know an avalanche could literally rip someone apart..what a horrible way to go. Even if she wasn't ripped apart first, a 600 hundred foot fall was next.
Avalanches can strain you through trees, grind you over rocks, just turn your body into a limp bag of bone fragments. There are people who's bodies never got buried, they didn't suffocate like is the standard means of death in a slide, they just got what is called in the airplane world "total body destruction." Big avalanches have 10's or hundreds of thousands of tons of snow, moving. The power in them is massive.
Yeah because it is incredibly dangerous no matter what. There is a lot of money in trying to BS people that it can be safe under any circumstances. It isn't.
I go diving. Accidents can happen. No 0² available for us humans under the water. Hmmmm there are risks to a lot of things. Just moving around. Going out your front door How often do they have those cannons that set off avalanches if they are around? 'back country skiing probs says it all. They don't do setting off potential avalanches because stuff all ppl go there I suppose. That's a calculed risk they took. Stuff it. I wouldn't let my school age kid go doing that. But you don't want to box them in all the same 🤔 Just some thoughts I wrote down anyways
@@woofmeowackwoof3810 absolute BS. I served in mountain SAR in the alps and flew duties in cases like this. People needlessly die due to your inane mindset, and we then have to risk ours to try and rescue them. For shame.
“Lucas in an effort to test the stability of the snow would occasionally stick a ski pole in the snow and stomp on the ground. Using these highly sophisticated and scientific methods he was unable to detect any critical weakness in the surface” 😂 Your sense of humor is classic. Very sad story, condolences to the families.
I got to ski St Moritz when I was young, it was an amazing environment. Our parents bought us a two weeks worth skiiing instruction, but we only had time to complete one week. Even as inexperienced as I was, I was maybe 13-14, our ski instructor allowed me to ski all the way down the slope by myself... I fell several times, but it was a blast...So rules aren't always kept even w/ younger students
@@home4life505 As a young Brit visiting Switzerland for the first time, everything was covered in fluffy powder, it was cold but Brisk, the clear skies and bright sun providing the warmth, I was infatuated with the trip, it felt like we had entered a 'wonderland'. I often think about the 'risky' things I'd try in my youth, I'd think twice about now, even persuading myself out of it. Thank goodness I had the 'fearlessness' of youth, or else I'd have missed out on a truly amazing experience.
I have been backcountry skiing for over 40 years in BC Canada. I can say with absolute certainty that backcountry skiing is NOT an activity where the participants have a "significant risk of dying". Yes, there are risks, but there are infinite ways through proper education and appropriate equipment, of minimizing those risks. I and most of the folks I ski with, would not have skied that slope, in those conditions, where the avalanche occurred. Another day, different conditions, perhaps yes, but it's always a matter of evaluating as you go, and not being afraid to tell the group, "sorry guys, it's not a good day to ski this".
Depends on the institution and the country. In some countries, higher education is free. You could say "= all of paid higher education", but I know lots of cases where, even when the students were paying tax, they still failed and couldn't graduate because they weren't studying hard enough.
"On the planet earth, gravity is on by default." Damnit, Doc. Your dry humor makes it really hard to keep a straight face during a video about a tragedy. 😂
sometimes adventure will result in tragic outcomes very sad for their family, but I applaud the families continuing support for outdoor adventure programs
This is such a sad situation. Thank you for your careful analysis of the risk factor that so many people seem to enjoy. It’s the risk that is enjoyable but that means it’s dangerous. I will never understand stand this behavior but have family members who live by it.
Emily's guides did not do their homework and Emily died. She seems to have been a happy lovely young Woman. Instinctively I know that she wouldn't want us sitting around feeling sad for her, so I celebrate you Emily and I am happy to hear about your sweet life. RIP.
Sometimes a lack of money can save lives. Also, "On the planet Earth, gravity is on by default." Boy, is it. My dislocated shoulder can attest to that.
A similar tragedy happened in Calgary at Strathcona Tweedsmuir, the leading private school here. A huge avalanche took out a group of students on a field trip. So tragic
Thanks so much for another great video.... Although tragic and horrifying, this young lady died doing what she loved most. I do not know many who were not that fortunate.
Back country skiing is the whole reason to be at the school. The activity itself is dangerous, so I think unless they remove that activity altogether, the risk of avalanche deaths will always be a part of the curriculum.
I love that through your sassy digs and jokes you always manage to be respectful and straight faced while telling these people's stories. Unlike true crime youtubers Ive watched before you who just crack up between every sentence for no reason.
It’s a sad fact of life that nobody is ever guaranteed tomorrow. That said, professional guides have a duty to follow professional best practice. It seems to me that all the ingredients for a possible wet avalanche .were present and they should not have chosen that route but I’m just a layman. To err is human. To forgive is also human with a dash of divine. My condolences to the families of these two young people.
Here in the U. P. of Michigan there is a yearly crop of deaths involving snowmobiles or drowning. Nearly always they are tourists unfamiliar with the difficulties.
Dr Grande, your evaluation here is absolutely correct. Back country skiing is part of the culture among locals in ski areas and Emily's tragic death had nothing to do with her family's financial means. I agree the guides should have exercised more caution, especially because the students were young and so vested in trusting their expertise. My condolences to her family on the loss of their child. However tragic, Emily lived her life to the fullest and died doing what she loved. That is a gift most people who live for decades never realize.
over the years, I have met a few people that attended a select school. At least most of them seemed so shallow, they seem to bring nothing to the table, except arrogance. I suppose some are also very intelligent, seeing the world as it is, and themselves as just another human being. I didn't meet that type.
I have met both types, some that were given everything and wasted it with using drugs and driving too quickly, and being in an accident, And some that were given everything and made use of what they were given and graduated with a good degree, gave to others and charity and volunteered quite a lot so sometimes it depends on your parents or your personality or both and the choices they independently made. It’s not necessarily the money since I’ve seen both happenings. I was not given everything like the people I’m talking about, these other people I knew from my church group long ago, so I saw the outcome for many different people.
@@enjoystravelingI have these cousins, a family of 6 of my first cousins, 5 of the 6 think that they are very special, gifted people, entitled, and arrogant bunch. None did that well in school, they aren't below average, it's just that they think they are so special, it's sickening. Their father was much that way. I guess it takes all types to make this old world go around.
@@jerryw6699 sounds like in your case the whole family that you knew was like that , the children I I knew and teenagers when I was young. I saw some that acted like that and then others that were the opposite. I’m talking about several different families, but like you said it takes all types.
I don’t care how experienced or how many licenses someone has NO one can know how a mountain of snow will act. It doesn’t help that people do trigger avalanches, however, avalanches happen! It is a fact!
@@madeleineprice3556 And your comment is out of line. I've been sending those as a thank you to him for yrs. Having a bad day or just a troll Madeleine ??
I think the guides are slightly responsible, but also, when one engages in skiing, or any other dangerous outdoor adventure, such as mountain climbing, the accountability really does start with one's self.
@@jerryw6699 Of course. Dr G stated those activities are risky, part on the person, part on guide as my comment said. But when a person relies on guides such as on Everest, or ski areas posting signs, they do make decisions based on that info...thus blame in several areas but yeah if you want to debate most is on person participating.
😂 Dr. Grande- I hope u don't mind me saying- ur Francais or Romande (what we call the french language in Switzerland 🇨🇭) est terriblé absolutement! I found ur pronunciation quite amusing... I needed that today! 😆🃏🙏🏼
This area of the Swiss Alps has a sad reputation for tragedies due to poor judgment in connection with high risk activities in the wilderness. In the past years there was a highly publicized catastrophe in the canyoning sector and a bungee jumping death (they took the long rope instead of the short one). High risk excitment seems to be an important selling point for the region, also beyond the private school sector. If the local experts are too cautious, people will go somewhere else. That's not an excuse but maybe an explanation.
Thr Stardust fire happened 48 years ago. Forty eight people died and hundreds where left injured . Today, over 43 years later the families and friends of those involved finally got a verdict and an apology from the state, 43 years they had to wait for someone to acknowledge there pain and suffering.
13:07 they were too trusting. Trust me when I was that age I trust to the wrong people to but you could not get me up a mountain that high without me freaking out
There is a massive difference between “knowing the risks” and RESPECTING the risks. Unfortunately, I think things like avalanche training classes often end up decreasing respect for the risks, because things like that can make people feel more prepared than it’s actually possible to be and more in control than they are even close to being.
Thanks for the upload, Dr. Grande! Your true fans love your humour and sarcasm. Today's date is a palindrome, guys! 4/23/24! April 23 is International Nose-Picking Day, World Book Day again, English Muffin Day, National Zucchini Bread Day, Cynical Bastards Day, English Language Day, Spanish Language Day, National Cherry Cheesecake Day, International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day, St. George's Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, National Picnic Day, and German Beer Day.
With certain activities, safety isn’t the right goal, risk mitigation is the goal. One of my instructors for setting up outdoor anchors for rock climbing made that clear. Yes, there are things you can do to lower your risk, but climbing itself is inherently dangerous. A bit of risk is fun of course, but those instructors shouldn’t have pushed it. One doesn’t assess and appreciate risk the same when they’re a young adult versus when they’re older.
I was a ski instructor out west and knew backcountry skiers. Most of us, the instructors, would not accept the risks and did not backcountry ski. Under the best of conditions, you can still get hit by an avalanche. Spring seemed the worst time. That a school would have this as an activity is surprising.
"There's a sense that some people are angry because the risk that was always present was actually realized." --Dr. Grande
That is one for The Great Dr. Grande Quote Book.
His wit and wisdom have made me an everyday listener!
@@gossamer9966 Absolutely! Dr. Grande is one of a kind 💎
I was reading this just as he was saying it
@@tyrastarrweaver That's always a cool occurrence 🙂
I was into rock climbing when I was a much younger man. One of the "experts" told me he never went on "lead climbs" because rather than being the safety mechanism it's purported to be, it's actually a suicide pact. The problem with experts is that they will go so long without any problems, that they become overconfident and start to cut corners.
I don't know what lead climbs are but your overall point is valid. I think it applies to most of us regarding risk assessment
I’m a rock climber. what is the safety mechanism you’re referring to? A lead climb is a thing you do, not a device or mechanism. Not being difficult, just curious and a bit confused.
@@sc3kuI’m guessing they’re referring to trad or sport climbing outdoors with multi-pitches. Since the belayer and climber are connected by rope, if something goes wrong, it could take out both climbers.
Dunning-Kruger effect
So true. A friend is a stunt man and he says that. He lost his business partner because he was doing set up for a movie stunt and fell off a step ladder hitting his head. He routinely jumped off high rises into a bag yet slipped off a darn step ladder.
I had a friend who loved hiking. He died in his 20s when he fell off a cliff. At his funeral his hiking friends made a point of saying that he was always safety conscious and never wreckless but the risk of tragic accident is always there and each of them accepts that risk in the pursuit of the joy and fulfilment this activity brings to their lives. So while it's absolutely tragic and unwanted that a life is cut short, it was a life lived to the fullest.
Or played to the fullest
I have a cousin who lives the "free climbing", wilderness backpacking, sky diving, base jumping lifestyle. A few months ago on Thanksgiving he went base jumping and really messed up his leg. The family was all "Oh, we're here for you and this is so terrible that this happened!" And all I could think is, he risks his life constantly like this. This is the expected outcome given the number of times he's done this. The only responsible thing he's ever done is purposely not have kids so he could continue this lifestyle.
he was likely rich. Rich people involve in Risky behavior more often bc they have more opportunity to do so. Skiing takes a lot of $$.
March 21 is already quite late in the season to undertake that kind of activity in Switzerland. Snow is usually more stable in the second half of January and in February.
There are two kind of avalanches: dry ones (unstabilized fresh powdery snow, occuring mostly at the beginning of the season or after days of heavy snowfall) and wet ones (mostly at the end of the season). In March whole patches may become instable, and snow is mostly old and therefore well stabilized but can loose its connection with the ground as the layer touching the ground might melt. So large sheets of snow may suddendly break off. And it's rather heavy, compacted snow, too, which then rushes downwards, taking everything with it. There's basically no way of getting out of that kind of heavy snow by oneself if buried 6 feet under.
Looks like the guides did only have a partial understanding of the dangers, otherwise they would have avoided steep slopes at that time of year. Detailed forecasts for avalanche risk were already available online in Switzerland when this unlucky chick wasn't even born.
Correct. I was caught up in an avalanche whilst climbing (on skins) on a school trip up to the St Bernard monastery in the early 60’s. Out of around 25 students only 3 of us were caught, thankfully surviving. The Swiss instructor, who was behind us, came out worse. His left leg was disjointed at the knee, ruining his career for ever.
I don't know the first thing about avalanches, but isn't 48? Did he say? Kind of warm? And that looks too steep if it's not frozen solid. Then they went as the last skiers two at once. Seems risky.
If something says "moderate risk of avalanche", I'm staying well away.
Actually, no, people continue ski touring at that altitude until well into May, where, when, and for how long depending on weather, snow conditions, and previous conditions during the winter.
I can't comment on the risks without knowing more about the avalanche dangers announced at the time, and the dangers of slopes of that steepness with that aspect in that region on the day. But as far as I know investigations did not turn up any major grave errors by the guides.
It may not have saved lives in this instance, but a definite avoidable error was allowing more than one person to descend at the same time, no one does this anymore unless they are asking for trouble.
BTW, very steep slopes are usually less dangerous than less steep ones, for various reasons. Highest danger for dry and slab avalanches is 30-45°.
They were late in 2 ways, late in the season and late in the day. If you're going to ski warm, wet, consolidated late season snow pack, you've got to be off of it by or shortly after when the sun hits it. Which could mean getting up at 4 am and being done skiing by 11.
Another factor I see constantly is the ego/recreational skiers/"mountaineers" can't go onto the mountains sober. They have to be drinking or drugging and usually have head phones in. I don't make turns much anymore, I much prefer to go on 7-10 day solo ski trips but I do it in terrain and at temps that are deadly. (40-) A big reason I've been able to safely solo for decades in this terrain and conditions is that I'm entirely mentally and spiritually present and not distracted. I don't take drugs or booze, I don't take any kind of music or listening device, I don't even take a book with me. (I took books with when I was first starting out) When I go out, I want to experience fully where I'm at and what I'm doing. If it's good, booze or drugs won't make it better and, if it's bad, I want to experience the badness fully. I suppose it's like having sex. There are people who want to get drunk, high or listen to music while they're fucking. I've always wondered WHY? Isn't the activity fun enough on it's own?
I've always seen or heard of people buried and dying in an avalanche, but not being ripped apart. That's sad really.
You should check out the dyatlov pass incident. That was a weird avalanche that caused such weird injuries in those five people that it was a mystery for a very long time.
Ikr? It’s always hard to imagine that snow in an avalanche or something like mud in a mudslide could be so damaging but it’s an inconceivable amount and the momentum
gained…and these forces help to “gather” anything in their wake like trees and boulders. As well as any man made objects in the swath. Just awful. 😢
@@thelostroninthe weird part was wild animals eating bodies. It's Urban legend mostly due lack of proper raporting from Soviet times. Most of weird part of it was just made up due lack of proper documentation back then and how social media function today. More views aka less truth.
The amount of weight and energy avalanche produce is often hard to grasp in relative terms
compacted wet snow is very dense, and can be similar to being caught in a flow of wet concrete. As others mentioned, it can also carry debris.
I find your sarcasm and desert dry delivery refreshing and delightful, happy subscriber.
I agree.
Thank you for spelling "desert" properly. This is so rare.
The cacti are a testimony to his dryness!
Desert try is right. He is King of the Sahara 🤣🤣🤣🤭
My son died in an avalanche backcountry skiing a little over a year ago. He was with two "experts" according to the county sheriff. He had even purchased an extra snowmobile so the three of them could ski together. I told him they we going to get him killed, but of course he didn't listen. The sheriff said he'd give these "experts" my number, but they never called.
So sorry for your loss 🙏
So sorry for your loss ❤
How devastating. I’m so sorry for your loss. Inadequate words I know x
He sounds excellent. RIP
I'm so sorry for your loss.
"On planet Earth gravity is on by default" [12:22] Dr. Grande's humor is so crafty :)
I died when he mentioned the "sophisticated" technique used for testing for avalanches
We need to repeal the law of gravity.
Eventually gravith wins over each of us.
I am diagnostic HUMOUR😊
I was in Vail in 2023 on a ski trip and read about this accident. Sad this happened to someone so young but if you've lived and played in the mountains, whether it's Colorado or Switzerland, you have a different mind set about them. Interestingly, in 2023 the back bowls of Vail were closed when the warm weather conditions in early April created avalanche conditions. They didn't reopen for the rest of the season.
I'm from Colorado, and closing slopes is just a thing. I wonder if there is a difference in risk/personal responsibility between Switzerland and Colorado that contributed to the decision to participate. America has a lot of standards for people's safety that don't exist in other parts of the world. And on the flip side, Americans sometimes appear to have little common sense.
@@ajnasreddin Probably is a cultural thing. I spent a lot of summers in Switzerland as a kid and me and my siblings, all younger than me, were allowed to go on our own, hiking in the mountains and staying overnight in huts for up to 3 days. I was about 17, my sister 15 and brother 13. No adults, no money, no cell phones. No accidents but we just missed being under a rock avalanche. I have a European background so maybe that's the difference.
Very sad. I think that kind of wealth CAN cause a person to lose their gut instinct to some degree. Everything is on a platter for them unlike someone whose life is just normal. Being in the norm you use your gut more and your common sense thinking skills, too....because you simply have to.
Agree with you. Whether gut instinct is lost, or just never fully has opportunities to develop in the first place, when protected by a comfortable upbringing. Living on a more "norm" level, along with families who also may have their challenging moments, may create more necessity to explore the gleaning of, and putting into practise, "common sense", and may promote a more natural development of that gut instinct.
The high risk and adrenaline lifestyle her parents got her hooked on is what killed her. Skiing and other similar sports like this always carry a reasonably HIGH threat that you will die no matter what, no matter how much experience or assistance you have, or how much money you spend.
@@Starry2000don’t know that that is accurate. It also depends on the type of skiing or climbing. It’s a spectrum. Roped climbing in a gym? Fairly safe. Roped climbing outdoors? Not as safe. Doing free-soloing? Yeah, very appreciable chance of death or serious injury.
I disagree. Things just happen. It happens to the rich and poor.
I don’t think that’s true all the time, I’ve heard of some men skiers. I forgot the names of them, but they were on a very low budget not of course going to Swiss school, but they would just work hard to earn money and then they were into dangerous mountain climbing on high mountains in South America and also near Nepal but they were not well off they were adventuresome and they were just a grade above poor. They were British and some of their group of friends were in an avalanche, some survived and some did not.
I have several friends that knew her :( I believe she was a ski racer... Tony Seibert, whose grandfather (Peter Seibert) founded Vail, also died in an avalanche in 2014 at the age of 24... I was a ski racer for 13 years and qualified for the Junior Olympics 7x. I never have and never will ski in the backcountry. My dad was heli skiing in BC in the 70's and the other group was caught in an avalanche...he and others in the group that were in the helicopter at the time had to dig up all of the dead bodies...my dad dug up two friends... please know what you are doing if you go into backcountry -- even expert Olympic ski racers (famously Buddy Werner) die in avalanches.
Edit: Shame on those of you calling her deplorable names…smdh … just because her parents were rich?!
It should be called in-the-wild mountain skiing. Back country sounds like a stroll through a hilly field.
I was a ski instructor out west, doing crazy and high risk things with friends. Yet, none of us could accept the danger of backcountry skiing, and did not do it.
@@anitaholst7671 back country sounds scary to me
Excellent post. Thank you for sharing your stories. It sounds to me like you would have been a much better guide at the school that the one who ignored the elevated risk of avalanche warnings on that day. It seems like a school preparing young people for their future would better teach them about risk assessment and how unstoppable nature can suddenly become - rather than taking them on wild and risky adventure, the enticing pristine beauty of the backcountry notwithstanding.
Caution is the better part of valor.
You don't have to ski or even climb. Just hiking a trail can be deadly in a mountain. One foot slip, one tiny tumble, and you can go over an edge, or just fall and hit your head on a rock. I love mountaineering, and reduce risk as much as I can, but I know each time I go out can quite reasonably be my last.
Exactly and this applies to the people in this story.
@@michelleobrien6996 that said, they were being guided. A guide is expected to do the right thing not the fun thing. I'm not a mountain leader but I know many great ones. They will risk having clients being angry rather than go dangerous. Trivial example: friend was hired to do a ridge with a group. On the day he didn't like the direction of the wind and took them up another ridge angled differently. The group were not happy. A few hours into a climb they saw the ridge they wanted to tackle, there was a group on it. They were on their hands & knees crawling forward due to winds trying to push them over the edge. The group thanked the leader of course, "you were right."
A rare moment of perfect " told you so!"
This has everything to do with the true dangers of delegation of risk/trust of authority. The parents & students delegated the risk to the school. The School delegated the risks to the guides. The Guides were reckless. The true risk was obscured. Many small or large scale disasters can happen exactly this way.
Just a wild guess, but I’m guessing a big majority
@@burntblonde2925 Yes,"Risk Laundering." Think 2009 housing crisis.
Excellent point!
It's the same for all "care" situations. From day care to dangerous jobs
We need more risk assessment panels and oversight committees... NO! Wait! How about we try individual responsibility and accountability first? That just might work.
Individuals need information. Risk assessment can be very precise. It is true that having gained the professional advise one should still use best judgement!
"If there was an avalanche, maybe it would not take out the entire group."
Nice to know he used hand grenade defense tactics for mountain climbing.
that's actually a sound tactic.
Mountains are madness. I know, I'm a mountaineer.
@@darthkek1953boss🔥💪🏽
It's the same technique you use when being shot at, you disperse, then, if it is possible, the uninjured go back to help the wounded. Normally, when abandoning a ship, you stick together, however, during WW2, my father and his colleagues in the Navy were instructed to spread out as the Japanese aviators would fire at lifeboats and people who were in the water.
It makes sense to me.
An axiom I learned during outdoor adventure training remains true: "Nature is **always** trying to kill you."
I guess so. But I'm in Australia
@@margaretchabaud9700 Nature in Oz is even better at killing people, what with the mad snakes, spiders, and lack of water...
@@margaretchabaud9700 Australia is always trying to kill you.
"Red in tooth and claw"
Makes sense from biological lifecycle lens also…
Enjoyed today's analysis even more than usual, Dr Grande. Thankyou, it was thoughtful, to contrast the way the idea of "risk" may be interpreted, with regard to the perspective that a young adult may have. Also the fact that sometimes the protection of a wealthy family can expose the youngsters to situations that involve risk, without them having a previous awareness of just how dangerous a "risk" can be.
I think anybody in the modern world if they’re wealthy or not can read online how risky backcountry skiing is.
That time of year is also the most dangerous time for avalanches as parts of snow and packed ice can warm and then slip and then create massive force as it gains momentum…argh.
I was in a warzone at 20 years of age. My comrades and I were highly skilled but knew that our environment at that time was never present during the morning briefings.
What country you and your “comrades” did you invade? 😂
young people tend to think they will live forever. It is hard to suppress this, and doing so would take out some of the joy of life.
The parents imprinted a high-risk lifestyle onto their child and got the expected results. They probably would have been better off just introducing her to drugs at 5. Crap like this needs to be acknowledged for what it is.
I've never thought I'd live forever. Other stupid thoughts have visited me on numerous occasions, so my life is still fun.
@@Starry2000skiing isn’t high a high risk lifestyle. Unlike substance abuse, skiing has many positive benefits. Having a hobby you enjoy and keeps you physically in shape actually can discourage someone from doing drugs.
I did so many reckless and stupid things in youth that I'm amazed to be still alive, whole, and without a criminal record. But it was an exhilarating ride.
@@Starry2000are you okay?
dude, you're my new favorite. keep being as logical and deadpan as you have always been. 5 stars. :)
Question - How do you say expensive without saying expensive?
Answer - Switzerland.
“Bespoke” is another one.
Crazy expensive place
My friend went to school in Switzerland. He was a poor student because he had to fly commercial. They're filled with very rich, very neglected young people. My friend came home a heroin addict and he wasn't the only one.
I think they are the coolest people in the world. 5 languages. My former boss was Swiss and I'll never meet anyone so cool again.
I liked Switzerland. It's expensive, true, but it's still a
great place. The Alps, glaciers and back country terrain are always dangerous. The only true safety is not to go or do anything. Life is dangerous.
I really appreciated how thoughtfully you addressed and articulated the various nuances of this tragedy,
I got chills when you said the guide chose a steeper slope. He should have quit while ahead.
Things happen, my childhood was nonstop dangerous activities. Most of us make it out alive, some do not.
@@mountainstream8351
In my case, climbing trees and cliffs, riding my bike at ridiculous speeds, walking on the parapet of a bridge 30feet above the railway. Then there were things like fording a river in full spate. And we didn’t have skateboards but we had roller-skates and no helmets or joint protectors. Of course I mustn’t forget the “parachute” experiment, jumping off the garage roof holding an umbrella. When I was a bit older there were “catapult battles” that could easily take out an eye. And, naturally, I went through a “bomb-making” phase using weed killer and sugar. Plus the overconfidence of youth, jaywalking between fast moving traffic, leaping from the platform of old fashioned busses, while they were still moving “at a good clip”. That sort of stuff that we did back in the days when childhood was a rough and tumble adventure not the carefully curated “adventure experience” that it is today.
There was a downside, of course. More kids died or were maimed than nowadays.
It is not normal to not make it out of childhood. What on earth were you doing, smoking crack?
@@BabyJellyfish That's why I said "Most Of Us Make It Out Alive" Learn how to read and comprehend please.
Hello Dr. Grande and viewers! 💙
Proud Patreon Supporter Here!
Tysm for all your hard work Dr. Grande! 👏Bravo! 🙌
80,000$ a year to learn pottery and silversmithing? For that kind of money, I would think that the students would be lectured by Nobel Laureate physicists and NASA astronomers.
Yeah well pottery and silversmithing will get you further when shtf. Not 20 step equations dealing with rocket propulsion to get to the moon.
I was under the impression that students took traditional subjects. The pottery and silversmithing were extracurriculars. It’s not clear from the video.
@@sgt.lincolnosiris4111 I think you meant plumbing and construction….
@@Olovoll I simply said pottery and silversmithing will get you further THAN. Not "all you need".
It sounds beautiful..
Maybe they need to change the ratings and restrictions attached to them. Moderate should now mean, High risk.... Yes, that sport has risks as you can never underestimate mother nature - but I'm sure the kids felt safe with the guides. Very sad.
This was very interesting to me, as I grew up about 10 miles away of where this disaster has happened. Horrible and sad. Thank you.
Omg I didn't know an avalanche could literally rip someone apart..what a horrible way to go. Even if she wasn't ripped apart first, a 600 hundred foot fall was next.
Avalanches can strain you through trees, grind you over rocks, just turn your body into a limp bag of bone fragments. There are people who's bodies never got buried, they didn't suffocate like is the standard means of death in a slide, they just got what is called in the airplane world "total body destruction." Big avalanches have 10's or hundreds of thousands of tons of snow, moving. The power in them is massive.
I did basket weaving for my college days
It is standard curriculum in nut houses.
based
Same school - same incident - same death of a 15 yr old in 2006.
Yeah because it is incredibly dangerous no matter what. There is a lot of money in trying to BS people that it can be safe under any circumstances. It isn't.
I go diving. Accidents can happen. No 0² available for us humans under the water. Hmmmm there are risks to a lot of things. Just moving around. Going out your front door
How often do they have those cannons that set off avalanches if they are around?
'back country skiing probs says it all. They don't do setting off potential avalanches because stuff all ppl go there I suppose. That's a calculed risk they took. Stuff it. I wouldn't let my school age kid go doing that. But you don't want to box them in all the same 🤔
Just some thoughts I wrote down anyways
That's awful to hear!! So tragic!
OMG!
@@woofmeowackwoof3810 absolute BS. I served in mountain SAR in the alps and flew duties in cases like this. People needlessly die due to your inane mindset, and we then have to risk ours to try and rescue them. For shame.
“Lucas in an effort to test the stability of the snow would occasionally stick a ski pole in the snow and stomp on the ground. Using these highly sophisticated and scientific methods he was unable to detect any critical weakness in the surface” 😂 Your sense of humor is classic. Very sad story, condolences to the families.
I got to ski St Moritz when I was young, it was an amazing environment. Our parents bought us a two weeks worth skiiing instruction, but we only had time to complete one week. Even as inexperienced as I was, I was maybe 13-14, our ski instructor allowed me to ski all the way down the slope by myself... I fell several times, but it was a blast...So rules aren't always kept even w/ younger students
*WEEKS'
Wow, that’s an amazing experience!
Im an American living in Switzerland. The schools require all students to take a one week ski trip. Yes, obligatory. The Swiss love their skiing😂
@@home4life505 *I'M
@@home4life505 As a young Brit visiting Switzerland for the first time, everything was covered in fluffy powder, it was cold but Brisk, the clear skies and bright sun providing the warmth, I was infatuated with the trip, it felt like we had entered a 'wonderland'.
I often think about the 'risky' things I'd try in my youth, I'd think twice about now, even persuading myself out of it. Thank goodness I had the 'fearlessness' of youth, or else I'd have missed out on a truly amazing experience.
The mountains are indeed extremely unforgiving. You can do everything right and still have an accident.
As my instructor told me when I first started to learn to fly.
"You can do everything right, up until everything goes wrong"
Nature is unforgiving.
The inherent risk is what makes it an attractive activity to some people.
I have been backcountry skiing for over 40 years in BC Canada. I can say with absolute certainty that backcountry skiing is NOT an activity where the participants have a "significant risk of dying". Yes, there are risks, but there are infinite ways through proper education and appropriate equipment, of minimizing those risks. I and most of the folks I ski with, would not have skied that slope, in those conditions, where the avalanche occurred. Another day, different conditions, perhaps yes, but it's always a matter of evaluating as you go, and not being afraid to tell the group, "sorry guys, it's not a good day to ski this".
The Swiss Alps make the mountains of BC look like child's play.
"failure is not an option, as long as the tuition check clears," = all of higher education
Cheque
@@Ingrid-sb6myIn American English, "check".
Depends on the institution and the country. In some countries, higher education is free. You could say "= all of paid higher education", but I know lots of cases where, even when the students were paying tax, they still failed and couldn't graduate because they weren't studying hard enough.
"On the planet earth, gravity is on by default."
Damnit, Doc. Your dry humor makes it really hard to keep a straight face during a video about a tragedy.
😂
Thank you Dr. Grande…and Rest in Peace dear Emily and dear Archie. ❤❤❤From Jean.
sometimes adventure will result in tragic outcomes
very sad for their family, but I applaud
the families continuing support for outdoor adventure programs
This is such a sad situation. Thank you for your careful analysis of the risk factor that so many people seem to enjoy. It’s the risk that is enjoyable but that means it’s dangerous. I will never understand stand this behavior but have family members who live by it.
Not the *"She sold the most Girl Scout cookies in her troop"* = her parent's got all their family/freinds/staff & patients to buy them.
Yeah my parents wouldn’t sell them at work so I always only sold like ten boxes max lol
@@hannahb8689: Me too, I was clueless how some sold many boxes. My next door neighbor said they were too expensive. Etc.
My heart breaks so much for parents who lose children. You pour so much into them, just to have them taken away from you in a second.
Emily's guides did not do their homework and Emily died. She seems to have been a happy lovely young Woman. Instinctively I know that she wouldn't want us sitting around feeling sad for her, so I celebrate you Emily and I am happy to hear about your sweet life. RIP.
At 57 my first thought was why would she go skiing and risk hurting her bum knee?🤔
Oh to be young again!😃
At 56 I thought the same!
at 53, I realize the importance of good knees - treating them well and not taking them for granted❤
Sometimes a lack of money can save lives. Also, "On the planet Earth, gravity is on by default." Boy, is it. My dislocated shoulder can attest to that.
A similar tragedy happened in Calgary at Strathcona Tweedsmuir, the leading private school here. A huge avalanche took out a group of students on a field trip. So tragic
Dr. Grande has uploaded! Yay! 🎉 So addicted to your channel! Love you! Stay healthy and safe! ❤
What a sad story.
Not as sad ad doctors giving their kid a sleeping pill then going out for dinner and coming back to find her gone.
Always amazing content daily ❤
Life is full of risks. If you do risky things, you're increasing your risk.
Excellent commentary and analysis. Thank you, Dr. Grande.
Thanks so much for another great video.... Although tragic and horrifying, this young lady died doing what she loved most. I do not know many who were not that fortunate.
Really sad end. My sentiments to the family!
This was 100% negligence. Those "experts" put those kids in danger and should be held responsible
Back country skiing is the whole reason to be at the school. The activity itself is dangerous, so I think unless they remove that activity altogether, the risk of avalanche deaths will always be a part of the curriculum.
I assume they signed waivers releasing the school and guides from responsibility. (Agree they put them in danger.)
Dr Grande your voice is so calming!💓
You are appreciated 👍
Please make videos of your voice so I can sleep🙏💓
I love that through your sassy digs and jokes you always manage to be respectful and straight faced while telling these people's stories. Unlike true crime youtubers Ive watched before you who just crack up between every sentence for no reason.
Oh sweet, new Dr. Grande sub genre of moderately wealthy women encountering tragic ends ontop of mountains. This one was real sad.
Skiing can be dangerous at any level.
Follow up please Dr Grande when you hear any new developments. Thank you
RIP Emily and Archie. ❤
So sad, baby girl was living this life to the fullest. RIP.
She was a teen, NOT a baby.
@@tanikokishimoto1604 Well that’s a baby girl in my world. And I’m allowed my opinion.
Gruesome but an excellent analysis…thank you Dr. G 🌵
She was an experienced back country skier and knew the risks. Sad. But at least she died doing something she loved.
It’s a sad fact of life that nobody is ever guaranteed tomorrow. That said, professional guides have a duty to follow professional best practice. It seems to me that all the ingredients for a possible wet avalanche .were present and they should not have chosen that route but I’m just a layman. To err is human. To forgive is also human with a dash of divine.
My condolences to the families of these two young people.
NEW DR GRANDE UPLOAD YIPPEE!
Here in the U. P. of Michigan there is a yearly crop of deaths involving snowmobiles or drowning. Nearly always they are tourists unfamiliar with the difficulties.
Dr Grande, your evaluation here is absolutely correct. Back country skiing is part of the culture among locals in ski areas and Emily's tragic death had nothing to do with her family's financial means. I agree the guides should have exercised more caution, especially because the students were young and so vested in trusting their expertise. My condolences to her family on the loss of their child. However tragic, Emily lived her life to the fullest and died doing what she loved. That is a gift most people who live for decades never realize.
over the years, I have met a few people that attended a select school. At least most of them seemed so shallow, they seem to bring nothing to the table, except arrogance. I suppose some are also very intelligent, seeing the world as it is, and themselves as just another human being. I didn't meet that type.
I have met both types, some that were given everything and wasted it with using drugs and driving too quickly, and being in an accident, And
some that were given everything and made use of what they were given and graduated with a good degree, gave to others and charity and volunteered quite a lot so sometimes it depends on your parents or your personality or both and the choices they independently made.
It’s not necessarily the money since I’ve seen both happenings. I was not given everything like the people I’m talking about, these other people I knew from my church group long ago, so I saw the outcome for many different people.
@@enjoystravelingI have these cousins, a family of 6 of my first cousins, 5 of the 6 think that they are very special, gifted people, entitled, and arrogant bunch. None did that well in school, they aren't below average, it's just that they think they are so special, it's sickening. Their father was much that way. I guess it takes all types to make this old world go around.
@@jerryw6699 sounds like in your case the whole family that you knew was like that
, the children I I knew and teenagers when I was young. I saw some that acted like that and then others that were the opposite. I’m talking about several different families, but like you said it takes all types.
Good people are everywhere. I attended private schools and had some lovely friends.
Don't pigeon hole people.
I'm pretty sure if you go backcountry skiing anywhere in the world, eventually your luck is going to run out.
Exactly, it’s extremely dangerous
I don’t care how experienced or how many licenses someone has NO one can know how a mountain of snow will act. It doesn’t help that people do trigger avalanches, however, avalanches happen! It is a fact!
Great assessment.
Skiing is dangerous as it is. Back country skiing is even more dangerous. Emily didn’t deserve to die such a horrible death. So tragic.
Interesting to hear Swiss law. Agree guides were partly responsible & didn't understand the risks❄️🎿Great analysis again, esp regarding Emily's intent. Thanks Dr G😊💙💙
Your hearts and smiles considering the nature of this video is incredibly bizarre to see
@@madeleineprice3556 And your comment is out of line. I've been sending those as a thank you to him for yrs. Having a bad day or just a troll Madeleine ??
I think the guides are slightly responsible, but also, when one engages in skiing, or any other dangerous outdoor adventure, such as mountain climbing, the accountability really does start with one's self.
@@jerryw6699 Of course. Dr G stated those activities are risky, part on the person, part on guide as my comment said. But when a person relies on guides such as on Everest, or ski areas posting signs, they do make decisions based on that info...thus blame in several areas but yeah if you want to debate most is on person participating.
@@zenawarrior7442very much agree
"Somewhat accountable" is a phrase.
Always interesting
Thank you❤
😂 Dr. Grande- I hope u don't mind me saying- ur Francais or Romande (what we call the french language in Switzerland 🇨🇭) est terriblé absolutement! I found ur pronunciation quite amusing... I needed that today! 😆🃏🙏🏼
🤣 "Eeco-lee dee Human'itay".
🇨🇦 by the way.
C'est trés difficile non..? 😉
😆🃏
@@mercychoke4475 Dr. grande et un américain.
And French is not my language also so I probably made a mistake !😅
@@enjoystraveling
😆 Je sais. C'était une blague. (I was joking with him 😉.)
🤫
This area of the Swiss Alps has a sad reputation for tragedies due to poor judgment in connection with high risk activities in the wilderness. In the past years there was a highly publicized catastrophe in the canyoning sector and a bungee jumping death (they took the long rope instead of the short one). High risk excitment seems to be an important selling point for the region, also beyond the private school sector. If the local experts are too cautious, people will go somewhere else. That's not an excuse but maybe an explanation.
So sad. I feel for the parents.
Thr Stardust fire happened 48 years ago. Forty eight people died and hundreds where left injured .
Today, over 43 years later the families and friends of those involved finally got a verdict and an apology from the state, 43 years they had to wait for someone to acknowledge there pain and suffering.
"They Never Came Home" by Christy Moore.
7:05 - Good grief.
RIP, Emily 🥺💔
13:07 they were too trusting. Trust me when I was that age I trust to the wrong people to but you could not get me up a mountain that high without me freaking out
I feel so sad knowing that she died such a painful death. May her soul rest in peace
There is a massive difference between “knowing the risks” and RESPECTING the risks. Unfortunately, I think things like avalanche training classes often end up decreasing respect for the risks, because things like that can make people feel more prepared than it’s actually possible to be and more in control than they are even close to being.
This sounds like a death you’d see in Final Destination.😬
Please cover the kansas moms case!
Great vid Dr Grande
It's horrible. Students trusted their guides and guides have a duty of care.
Todd's pronunciation of French is a crime against humanity
Great minds think alike! I caught that gaffe immediately and scrolled the comments to see if anyone else heard it.
That was brutal
What do you want? Nuremberg Trials for pronunciation with the death penalty available?
Ecole d’Humanité is not pronounced "E. coli something something". Forvo is a great online aid for non-native speakers.
TG you need some serious help with your French pronunciation. It could be the subject of a case analysis.
If the avalanche risk is any anything other than zero, my ski trip is cancelled.
I had no idea that an avalanche could do that to your body. Poor Emily!
Thanks for the upload, Dr. Grande! Your true fans love your humour and sarcasm. Today's date is a palindrome, guys! 4/23/24! April 23 is International Nose-Picking Day, World Book Day again, English Muffin Day, National Zucchini Bread Day, Cynical Bastards Day, English Language Day, Spanish Language Day, National Cherry Cheesecake Day, International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day, St. George's Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, National Picnic Day, and German Beer Day.
Also Passover
@@intorainbowzOG Except Passover 2024 started yesterday. I'm not Jewish, and even I know that.
Wow! This is great to know, and I will pass these days onto my Dad as it is his Birthday!
@@Stoic_Horo Happy birthday to your dad! Look up "April 23 holidays" for more!
Count me in for the celebration of International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day, please. Thank you.
“…gravity. Nobody can shut that off. On the planet Earth, gravity is on by default.” I will be using that. 😂
Like the Titanic submarine disaster.... never mind, Dr. Grande just said it! 😊
This is a really sad story
😂
With certain activities, safety isn’t the right goal, risk mitigation is the goal. One of my instructors for setting up outdoor anchors for rock climbing made that clear. Yes, there are things you can do to lower your risk, but climbing itself is inherently dangerous.
A bit of risk is fun of course, but those instructors shouldn’t have pushed it. One doesn’t assess and appreciate risk the same when they’re a young adult versus when they’re older.
There is a great article about this young girl and family in the Washington Post.
Peace to their families. 😢
I was a ski instructor out west and knew backcountry skiers. Most of us, the instructors, would not accept the risks and did not backcountry ski. Under the best of conditions, you can still get hit by an avalanche. Spring seemed the worst time. That a school would have this as an activity is surprising.