I was over that way doing some flying just before xmas. The weather was actually quite good but there was some overlying cloud which between Courchevel and Chambery had to be decended under and scooting around the valleys got to Chambery. Was with a competent instructor at the time...picked up my plane and went back to Courchevel and went straight up to F120 for that short trip, told myself in no uncertain terms that I wouldn't fancy flying something around the valleys.
I think miselou's comment of mountains being a certainty not a risk is very relevant.
However, condolences may we all learn something.....
just to add....the aircraft I was flying actually has TAWS, and I noted then that if you got the warning to avoid terrain in a mountain range then it would just steer you into the other side of the mountains. The only 'out' would be up. That option lies with the performance of your aircraft.