A British skier has tragically died after being caught in a major avalanche in the French Alps.
Massive Rescue Operation Launched
The incident occurred on Sunday 11 January 2026 in the popular resort of La Plagne. According to a statement from the resort, rescue teams received an alert about the avalanche at 1.57pm local time and immediately scrambled to the scene.
A huge search and rescue effort was mobilised, involving a team of approximately 52 people. This group included medics, ski school instructors, and piste security personnel. A helicopter was also deployed, carrying a specially trained avalanche rescue dog to help locate the victim.
Victim Found Under Deep Snow
After nearly an hour of intensive searching, the man was discovered. He was buried under 2.5 metres of snow. The resort confirmed the victim was an Englishman, believed to be in his 50s.
Authorities revealed critical safety details about the circumstances. The skier was with a group when the avalanche struck. However, he was not equipped with an avalanche transceiver, a vital safety device that emits a signal to rescuers. Furthermore, he was not accompanied by a professional mountain guide or instructor at the time.
Resort Issues Statement of Condolence
In the wake of the tragedy, the management of La Plagne released a statement expressing their profound sympathy. "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim," the resort said.
This fatal incident serves as a stark and sombre reminder of the inherent dangers of skiing off-piste, especially without the correct safety equipment and professional guidance. It highlights the critical importance of avalanche awareness and preparedness for anyone venturing beyond the marked ski runs in mountain regions.
