Three more avalanche-related deaths in France, including one Briton

A British national was one of three people who died during separate avalanche-related incidents in the Alps on Tuesday (February 17). 

The man, in his 30s, was part of a group of five people skiing off-piste in La Grave (Hautes-Alpes) when an avalanche began. 

The Briton, of Polish descent, was pronounced dead at the scene. A Polish citizen also died.

Australian and German citizens skiing with the group were unharmed, but the fifth, a French guide, was taken to Grenoble hospital after sustaining injuries during the incident.

In Valloire (Savoie), a group of hikers were caught in an unexpected avalanche, killing one and seriously injuring two others.

Hautes-Alpes was facing a 4/5 warning on the avalanche risk scale from state forecaster Météo France yesterday, with Savoie at the highest 5/5 level.

The death at La Grave means three Britons have died in the last week in the French Alps, among at least 28 total deaths (of all nationalities) since the winter season began.

Off-piste warnings

Avalanches are responsible for a high proportion of these deaths, with a number of fatalities caused by skiers going ‘off-piste’.

Off-piste skiing has been an exceptionally dangerous activity since the start of the year. Initially, a lack of snowfall led to rocky protrusions, which skiers risked colliding with or falling over at high-speeds.

Significant fresh snowfall in recent weeks has been at risk of displacement from high winds, notably from a recent spat of storms, replacing the lack of snow with the threat of avalanches. 

These sudden and powerful displacements often affect off-piste areas.

Regular warnings have been issued over the dangers of off-piste skiing, particularly if resort pistes are closed.