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Two Ottawa-area women thought to be among dozens of people missing in an avalanche and blizzard in Nepal are safe.

Virginia Schwartz posted a message on Facebook Thursday saying she and her friend Jane Van Criekingen are “trekking out of the avalanche danger zone and heading back down along the circuit.”

She thanked everyone for all the kind words and prayers posting they are in Manang and are safe.

Schwartz says they are heading to the town of Pokhara which will take them three or four days.

The two women left on October 4th for a 22-day trek during what is typically prime hiking season.

Mark Schwartz, Virginia’s brother, told CHCH News the family is relieved.

He says it will likely be at least a week before they return home.

27 are reported dead so far but officials in Nepal are warning it will rise in the days to come. The dead include four Canadians.

Rescuers recovered 10 more bodies from a pass Thursday, but they have not yet been identified.

14 people were airlifted Wednesday to Katmandu, where they’re being treated at a military hospital.

One survivor from Israel, Linor Kajan told reporters how scared she was for her life while stuck in snow up to her waist.

“I was sure I was going to die at the way to the pass because I lost my group, I lost all the people I was with and I could not see anything.”

About 70 people are still missing, including several Canadians.

While officials searched for his sister Virginia, Mark Schwartz created a Facebook page for people to share information about their missing loved ones.

That page is now being used by people all over the world.

Given the communication limitations in the area he says he hopes it continues to connect people in this terrible crisis.