On April 13 of this year, in the mountains of the Trans-IIi Alatau, an accident claimed the life of a 54-year-old free rider from France, Laurent Miston. While climbing peak Molodezhny, two members of a group of six free riders were caught in an avalanche.
The deceased free rider was an international guide with over 20 years of expertise and was a certified member of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). He was on his first trip to Kazakhstan, and the accident happened on the fifth day of the group's skate trip there.
After the avalanche at 12:25 p.m. and the message to the operational rescue service, the first victim was discovered by a group of free riders on their own in 8 minutes thanks to the signal from the beeper in his jacket, after 5 minutes they found the backpack of the second with a beeper, but the body was not found, so the search continued. At 5:00 p.m. rescuers arrived with a search dog, which discovered the deceased's body at 5:30 p.m.
It's worth noting that in Kazakhstan, the months of April and May are regarded ideal for free riding. The avalanche status in the highlands is generally adequate, however it might alter depending on exposure and weather conditions.
In this regard, we urge all visitors to adhere to the mountain safety regulations as well as the suggestions of local operational rescue services.
Kazakh Tourism extends its heartfelt sympathies to the deceased's family and friends.
