The Swiss Freeride World Tour champion, Estelle Balet has died in an avalanche in Orsières this morning.

The 21 year old was filming in Le Portalet when the couloir she was snowboarding avalanched.

Emergency support was called for at 8am and when they arrived on scene she had already been dug out from the debris, but was unable to be resuscitated.

According to initial reports another person rode in front of her and triggered the slide, which travelled over a kilometre.

After coming in 2nd place in this years Freeride World Tour event in Chamonix, she went on to win the overall title in Verbier earlier this month, claiming her second World Champion title after victory in 2015.

The Freeride Wold Tour said in a statement today:

"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."

WRS Breakfast show presenters Mark Butcher and Katt Cullen had the pleasure of talking to Estelle at the beginning of the 2015-2016 season in Verbier. She was lovely to interview and was looking forward to the coming season. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends at this time.

*Edit: This article previously stated that Balet was 22 years old when she died. She was, in fact, 21.

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