An Ottawa woman thought to be among dozens of people missing in an avalanche and a blizzard in Nepal says she is safe.

Virginia Schwartz posted a message on Facebook today saying they are "trekking out of the avalanche danger zone and heading back down along the circuit."

A second Ottawa woman -- Jane Van Criekingen -- was also thought to be missing, but it was unclear from Schwartz`s posting if she was also safe.

However, Schwartz's brother, Mark, earlier told an Ottawa radio station that he had unconfirmed reports that "both Virginia and Jane are O-K."

Officials in Nepal say the avalanche and blizzard have killed at least 25 people, including four unidentified Canadians.

The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal says about 70 people were still missing and the death toll was expected to rise.

The co-founder of Montreal-based travel agency Terra Ultima said Wednesday that three Quebecers are among those missing and feared dead.

Julien Passerini said six Quebecers in all were in the area, including the missing -- two women in their 50s and one in her 30s.

One of the three is the hikers' guide.