Dangerous snowfall conditions across the French Alps have claimed four lives in three days, with Monday’s double fatalities bringing the European ski season death toll to at least 66 people.
Heavy snowfall in recent days has triggered multiple avalanches throughout the Alpine region during what represents peak season for the northern hemisphere between December and February. Public prosecutor Marion Lozac’hmeur confirmed two men died on Monday in separate off-piste skiing incidents.
A man in his early 30s was killed by what officials described as a “very large avalanche” whilst skiing off-piste near Montgenevre on the Italian border. He was accompanied by a fellow skier who escaped unharmed.
Later that day, a 38-year-old man died shortly before 4pm in Saint-Agnes near Grenoble whilst skiing off-piste in the Belledonne mountain range. Police confirmed he was with another skier who was not injured.
The Monday deaths followed Saturday’s double fatality near the village of Saint-Veran in southeastern France. Two skiers aged in their 30s were killed when an avalanche was triggered on the north side of the Tete de Longet mountain peak. They were part of a group of four, with the other two skiers emerging unharmed. Autopsies will establish the cause of death for the Saturday victims.
The Alpine rescue service reported three additional fatalities on Saturday in the mountains of Trentino Alto Adige and Lombardy, regions hosting some venues for the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Two avalanches struck the Marmolada area in the Dolomites, located near Cortina d’Ampezzo where women’s Alpine skiing competitions are currently taking place.
Last month, a British man believed to be in his 50s was killed in an avalanche at La Plagne in the French Alps. Rescuers were alerted shortly before 2pm local time on 12 January and immediately dispatched to the scene. The unidentified man was found under 8ft of snow after a 50-minute search, according to a resort statement.
The European Avalanche Warning Services, which forecasts risk levels across the continent, confirms at least 66 people have died in avalanches this European ski season. The organisation states that snow avalanches claim an average of 100 lives in Europe annually.
All four victims killed in the French Alps over the three-day period were skiing off-piste – outside marked and maintained ski runs where avalanche risk is significantly higher. Each incident involved pairs of skiers, with one companion surviving unharmed in all cases.
The pattern of fatalities highlights the dangers facing off-piste skiers even when travelling in groups. The heavy snowfall creating unstable conditions has resulted in avalanche warnings across multiple Alpine regions, though many skiers continue venturing beyond designated piste boundaries.
Authorities have not indicated whether the recent deaths will prompt additional restrictions on off-piste access, though the mounting toll during peak season has raised concerns about safety messaging and enforcement. The European Avalanche Warning Services continues monitoring conditions and issuing risk forecasts as the winter season progresses.
