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Record rockfalls in the French Alps raise safety concerns for mountaineers
In 2026, France's Mont Blanc massif experienced a record 450 rockfalls due to extreme heat and thawing permafrost. This alarming trend, surpassing the previous record of 300 rockfalls in 2022, has raised safety concerns for mountaineers. Experts attribute the increase in geological instability to climate change, urging climbers to remain vigilant as the risk of rockfalls continues.

Updated Aug 21, 2026 First published Aug 20, 2026