Zbigniew Jan Hermaszewski (61) was on a corporate ski trip with colleagues and clients near Le Monêtier-les-Bains, in the Hautes-Alpes region, when the accident occurred.
Deputy Viscount Advocate Mark Harris yesterday found that the finance worker had died from multiple trauma injuries sustained from the avalanche.
The States police coroner’s officer, Tony Forder, said it was likely Mr Hermaszewski struck a number of trees as he was carried by the falling snow.
According to a French police report, in the days leading up to March this year, the group had intended to go heli-skiing – where skiers are taken to hard-to-reach spots by helicopter – but the conditions were too bad.
Instead, they chose to go ski-touring, which involves ascending unmarked and un-patrolled areas before reaching a summit and descending.
Mr Forder said it was reported that on 1 March at 8.30am, the group had met two guides, who were due to lead them for the day. They travelled by cars to an area known as Les Bousardes in Le Monêtier-les-Bains, and began to put on their equipment.
The group then gradually made their way up the route, known as Bois des Bergers, a heavily wooded area, and expected the trip to take around 2½ to three hours.
However, as they continued to climb a 35° slope in a zig-zag fashion through trees, a slab of snow – said to be have been around 60 to 100 metres in width – came crashing down the mountain towards them.
Following this, six of the skiers – two of whom had been caught in the falling snow – counted the group and realised that one member was missing.
Within a few minutes, Mr Hermaszewski was found 200 metres below, unconscious and with several fractures to his ribs, sternum and arm. One of the guides began resuscitation.
Mr Hermaszewski was then taken to a hospital in Briançon but was declared dead by a doctor at 1.10pm.
An investigation was launched by local police and an extensive report compiled – including a number of witness accounts and analysis from an avalanche expert who had visited the scene. No charges were brought.
Both guides had several years of experience and extensive qualifications and were interviewed by police, who determined that nothing could have been done to prevent the accident.
Speaking at the inquest, Deputy Viscount Advocate Mark Harris said: ‘I hope I can pass my condolences to Mr Hermaszewski’s family and friends and say how very sorry I am for their loss.’
