Two British men are among three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a devastating avalanche at the renowned Val d'Isère ski resort in the French Alps on Friday, 13 February 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30am local time, which corresponds to 10:30am GMT, sending shockwaves through the international skiing community.
Details of the Avalanche Incident
The avalanche struck in the southeastern region of France, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. According to official reports, the two British victims were part of a larger group consisting of five people who were accompanied by a professional instructor at the time of the tragedy. They were engaged in off-piste skiing, venturing beyond the designated and maintained ski slopes.
Third Victim Identified
A spokesperson from the slope management department at Val d'Isère has confirmed that the third person killed in the avalanche was a French national. Unlike the British group, this individual was skiing alone when the catastrophic event unfolded, highlighting the unpredictable dangers present in alpine environments.
High-Risk Warnings Ignored
Prior to the fatal incident, Meteo-France, the national meteorological service, had issued a red avalanche warning across the Savoie region on Thursday. This highest-level alert indicated an extremely hazardous situation with a significant threat of avalanches. In alignment with this warning, the Val d'Isère ski resort's official website explicitly stated that off-piste skiing was "strongly discouraged" due to a "very high avalanche risk."
Foreign Office Response
An FCDO Spokesperson has addressed the tragedy, stating: "We are aware of an accident in which two British men have died in France. We are in contact with the local authorities and stand ready to offer consular assistance." This response underscores the ongoing efforts to support the families affected and coordinate with French officials during this difficult time.
The loss of these three lives serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with mountain sports, particularly when venturing into unpatrolled areas despite clear and severe weather advisories. The investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the avalanche continues as the community mourns this profound loss.
