Estelle Balet

Estelle BaletLost too soon. Rest in peace, Estelle. | Photo courtesy of the Freeride World Tour

These stories are the worst part part of our job. To see someone taken so full of life tragically taken from this Earth is beyond words. Estelle Balet was recently crowned as champion during the final stop of the Freeride World Tour in Verbier, France, her second title in the past two years. Despite wearing proper backcountry safety equipment, Estelle lost her life to an avalanche while filming in the backcountry of Swiss resort Orsières. It is unclear whether or not her airbag was deployed. Swiss police are investigating the incident, and the other rider involved was not injured. At 21-years-old Estelle was an emerging star on the Freeride World Tour whose friends knew her as someone bursting with life and love for the mountains.

Our deepest condolences extend to the Estelle’s family and friends during this time.

Statement from the Freeride World Tour:

The Freeride community has experienced a tremendous loss today as we learned that one of the most hopeful young talents and current snowboard World Champion, Estelle Balet, has tragically passed away in an avalanche. The mortal avalanche occurred earlier this morning in the canton of Valais.

Estelle Balet was a naturally gifted shining star and demonstrated remarkable talent as she quickly became a household name on the Freeride World Tour, bringing home her second title as World Champion just a few weeks ago in Verbier.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Estelle Balet as we send our deepest sympathy and condolences during this very difficult time.