A devastating avalanche in the French Alps resort of Val d’Isère resulted in three fatalities on Friday, casting a shadow over the popular skiing destination. The victims included two British nationals and one French skier, according to official statements from local authorities.
The tragic incident occurred during an off-piste excursion where the British victims were part of a five-person group under the supervision of a professional instructor. Resort representatives confirmed to BBC that the guided tour was exploring ungroomed terrain when the avalanche struck without warning. Meanwhile, the French victim was skiing solo in the same general area, separate from the British group, as detailed in the prosecutor’s official report.
Emergency response teams mobilized immediately following the avalanche alert, conducting extensive search and rescue operations in challenging mountain conditions. One additional British skier sustained minor injuries in the incident and received prompt medical attention at the scene. The injured party is reported to be in stable condition.
Val d’Isère, situated in the Savoie region of southeastern France, represents one of Europe’s most prestigious high-altitude ski destinations. While the resort maintains rigorous safety protocols for marked trails, this tragedy highlights the inherent risks associated with off-piste skiing in alpine environments. Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the avalanche formation and whether any advisory warnings were in effect at the time.
The alpine community has expressed profound condolences to the families of the victims, with resort management emphasizing their commitment to mountain safety and ongoing cooperation with investigation authorities. This incident marks one of the most significant avalanche-related tragedies in the region during the current winter season.