Chamonix, France – An unnamed British skier fell over 1,000 meters to his death on Saturday while trying to retreat to the Aiguille du Midi summit station in high winds.

The victim and his French companion had set out on Saturday to ski the famed Vallée Blanche run from the 12,460-foot Aiguille du Midi to the Chamonix valley floor, but were forced to turn back as heavy weather accompanied by high winds gusting over 60 miles per hour blew into the region. Skiing the Vallée Blanche requires a ride up the 5,000 vertical-foot Aiguille du Midi tramway before descending a knife edge ridge on foot to reach the skiing route.

Buffeted by winds, the pair contacted local rescuers, who advised that conditions were too severe to respond to their aid. Rescuers instead attempted to guide the duo back to the tramway’s summit terminal. While the French skier was able to reach shelter at the lift, the British man was blown down the Chamonix side of the mountain.

Although the ski season is officially finished in Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi tramway remains open for sightseers, and skiers and snowboarders are still permitted to ride the lift.

Rescuers have since recovered the man’s body. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.