French trail running champion dies in ski mountaineering accident

French skyrunning champion Esteban Oliviero, 22, has died after a ski touring accident in the French Alps. Oliviero was on the descent after a ski touring ascent of La Blanche in the Ecrins massif, BNN reported, and was found after his roommates alerted emergency services when he had not returned by nightfall.

Originally from Var, France, Oliviero had recently moved to the Ecrins Massif area to pursue his passions for both trail running and mountaineering.

Oliviero had established himself as a remarkable trail runner with notable achievements despite his young age. In June 2023, Oliviero took first at the Grand Trail des Acrins 34K race in Vallouise, France, won the Hochkönig Skyrace 50K in Maria Alm, Sweden, won the French U23 Trail Running Championships and was ninth at the Grigne SkyMarathon.

He was beloved not only among his athletic peers, but also for his role as a summer caretaker at the Nice refuge in Mercantour, France.

The French Athletics Federation (FFA) expressed condolences, sharing on their website that “the entire trail running community in France and elsewhere is mourning the death of an athlete highly esteemed by his peers. Esteban will leave a great memory.” Olivier was known not only for his racing ability but his kind and joyful nature. “A runner recognized for his talent during the effort but also during the post-race moments, his smile and his infectious good humor made him a much-appreciated comrade,” they added.

Olivier ran for the UK-based shoe company, Inov8 France, who expressed their sadness over Olivier’s death on social media: “Esteban was a brilliant mountain runner and a fun, honest young man. He will be sadly missed by many.”

The news of Oliviero’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across the global athletic community. “You will be with us on every start line and on every summit,” the Skyrunner World Series shared on Instagram. Florent Besses, coordinator of the National Excellence Ski Mountaineering Group (GESAN) where Oliviero was a member, paid homage to his exceptional qualities and deep connection to the mountains on the GESAN website. “Despite his very high level, he was simple and humble, with an infectious joy, very invested in the group. A bon vivant, far from the image of the ascetic. His disappearance is very hard to bear.”

posted Friday December 29th
by Keeley Milne