⏱ 1 min 30 read
Background
The Les Ruinettes area, above Verbier in the canton of Valais, is a take-off point for paragliders. It is reached by the resort's ski lifts. In Valais, mountain rescue is coordinated by the Valais Cantonal Rescue Organisation (OCVS 144).
The key points
A 32-year-old French paraglider died on Sunday 8 November 2026 above Verbier, according to the Keystone-ATS news agency as reported by Swissinfo. He took off at around 11:30 am from the Les Ruinettes area, at the top of the ski lifts. For reasons not yet determined, he lost control of his wing and fell into the forest, in the Torrent de Montagnier area.
A witness immediately alerted the emergency services. An Air-Glaciers helicopter, dispatched by OCVS 144, flew to the scene. Despite first aid, the rescuers could only confirm the death.
What's next
- A formal inquiry has been opened jointly by the Lower Valais Public Prosecutor's Office and the Confederation to establish the circumstances of the accident
