A British national was among at least three people killed after two separate avalanches tore through popular ski areas in the French Alps on Tuesday, authorities confirmed, marking another tragic day in a winter season already marred by frequent fatalities.
The man, believed to be in his 30s, was skiing off-piste near the resort town of La Grave when a sudden avalanche swept down the slope, engulfing members of his five-person group. A Polish citizen also died in the same incident.
Emergency services said the pair were unable to escape the fast-moving wall of snow. Rescue teams arrived quickly but could not revive them, despite intensive efforts at the scene.
Two other skiers in the group — a German and an Australian — managed to avoid injury, while another member survived with minor shock. Authorities said the party had been skiing outside marked pistes, an area known for challenging terrain and unpredictable snow conditions.
Only a few kilometres away, a second avalanche struck near the neighbouring resort of Valloire. Several hikers were caught in that slide, with one person confirmed dead and two others left in critical condition.
Mountain rescue crews used helicopters, avalanche dogs and specialised probes to search the debris field. Survivors were airlifted to nearby hospitals as worsening weather complicated operations.
Officials noted that the risks had been clearly flagged before the incidents. France’s national weather service had rated avalanche danger in the La Grave sector as “high,” or four on a five-point scale, citing fresh snowfall and strong winds that destabilised the snowpack.
In Valloire, the risk level reached the maximum of five, indicating extremely dangerous conditions with a strong likelihood of spontaneous avalanches.
Local authorities have opened investigations into both events to determine the precise causes and whether safety guidance had been followed. Witnesses described hearing a deep rumble before the slopes gave way, sending tonnes of snow racing downhill within seconds.
The latest deaths bring the winter season’s toll in the region to 28, underscoring what safety officials describe as one of the most hazardous years in recent memory. Heavy snowfall alternating with sudden temperature shifts has created weak layers beneath the surface, increasing the likelihood of slides.
The incidents follow another tragedy last Friday, when two other British skiers and a French national died in separate avalanches elsewhere in the mountain range.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said officials were in contact with French authorities and stood ready to provide consular assistance to the families of the British victims.
Avalanches remain a persistent risk for winter sports enthusiasts, particularly those venturing off-piste. Experts stress that while untouched slopes offer fresh powder and fewer crowds, they also lack controlled safety measures such as artificial triggers and routine patrols.
Mountain guides advise skiers to check local forecasts daily, carry avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels, and avoid high-risk terrain following heavy snowfall or strong winds. Travelling with experienced guides and sticking to marked runs significantly reduces danger.
Despite the warnings, the allure of backcountry skiing continues to draw thrill-seekers into exposed areas, especially at iconic alpine destinations like La Grave, renowned for its challenging descents and freeride culture.
As investigations continue, local officials have urged visitors to respect safety advisories and remain vigilant. “Conditions can change rapidly,” one rescue coordinator said. “Even experienced skiers are vulnerable when the mountain becomes unstable.”
With peak ski season still under way, authorities fear the death toll could rise unless caution prevails across the high slopes of the French Alps.