Two Britons Among Three Dead in French Alps Avalanche Tragedy

Publishing Date: 14 February 2026
Desk: World News / Travel & Safety

A tragic avalanche in the French Alps has claimed the lives of three skiers — including two Britons among three dead in French Alps avalanche, prompting national mourning, rescue operations, and a judicial investigation. Authorities say the snowslide struck on Friday at the popular Val d’Isère ski resort amid unstable snow conditions and heightened avalanche warnings.

The British pair were part of a group skiing off-piste when the avalanche descended, sweeping six people down the mountainside. A third victim, a French national, was skiing alone high on the slope. A third British skier from the group survived with minor injuries.

Resort officials say the avalanche struck around 11:30 am local time (10:30 am UK time) in Val d’Isère, one of Europe’s most renowned ski destinations. The holiday area had experienced heavy snowfall in recent days, and French meteorological services had issued a rare red avalanche alert the day before, warning of very unstable snow cover.

Despite safety warnings discouraging off-piste skiing due to the risk, the group — including several skiers and a professional instructor — continued their descent when the snowslide hit. Emergency services responded swiftly, but were unable to save the three victims. All were equipped with avalanche transceivers.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that two British men were killed in the incident and is providing consular assistance to their families. A third British skier from the same party suffered minor injuries but was treated in hospital and is expected to recover.

The ski instructor with the group was unharmed and tested negative for drugs or alcohol in the aftermath of the avalanche, prosecutors said.

The Albertville public prosecutor’s office has launched a manslaughter investigation into the tragedy. Mountain rescue police from the CRS Alpes are leading the inquiry, which will look at whether anyone’s actions contributed to triggering the avalanche.

Local authorities reiterated that avalanche risk across the French Alps remains significant, with very unstable snow cover at higher altitudes. Even though the red alert was lifted on Friday, danger levels stayed high, and skiers were urged to stick to designated controlled terrain.

This latest incident comes during what mountaineering safety organisations say has been a notably active avalanche season in the Alps following heavy snowfall. Red and high avalanche warnings have been issued across multiple resorts, and avalanche-related accidents have claimed lives in recent weeks in France and neighbouring Alpine countries.

Experts warn that even experienced skiers can be caught out by unstable snow packs, especially off-piste in high mountain terrain. Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of checking avalanche forecasts, using safety equipment, and, where possible, limiting activity to marked slopes when warnings are in effect.

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