Two German and two British climbers were still missing and nine other people were injured.
About 38 climbers were on the mountain – one of two access points to the famous Mont Blanc peak-at an elevation of about 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) when the avalanche hit without warning in fine weather conditions, Francois said.
That included 28 climbers in two separate climbing teams, as well as solitary climbers, he added.
Authorities had not expected avalanches ,as conditions were good on Thursday morning ,said Jean – Louis Verdier , mayor of the resort town of Chamonix.