Three skiers have died after being caught in a powerful avalanche at the luxury ski resort of Val d’Isère in the French Alps.
Only a few skiers managed to escape, while a British national sustained minor injuries, according to the local prosecutor.
The victims were part of a group of four skiers skiing off-piste under the guidance of a professional instructor. All were reportedly equipped with avalanche safety gear, including transmitters, shovels, and probes, according to the Daily Mail.
Prosecutor Bachelet confirmed that alcohol and drug tests for the instructor were negative. Cedric Bonnevie, head of the ski slopes, noted that one victim appeared to have been trapped higher on the slope, while the other two were lower and unable to anticipate the avalanche.
Earlier, Météo-France had issued a red alert for avalanche risk in the area. This incident follows other recent avalanche deaths in the French Alps, including two skiers killed days earlier and another in Montgenèvre.
Avalanches remain a significant hazard this season, having caused at least 20 fatalities across the French, Swiss, Italian, and Austrian Alps.
