Savoie, February 14, 2026 – The Europe Today: Three skiers, including two British nationals, have died after being caught in an avalanche while skiing off-piste in Val d’Isère, located in France’s Savoie region, as officials warned that conditions across the Alps remain extremely hazardous.
The avalanche struck shortly before midday, sweeping away six skiers. Four of them were accompanied by a professional instructor at the time of the incident. Rescue teams were rapidly deployed to the scene; however, three individuals could not be saved, while one skier sustained minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that all victims were equipped with avalanche safety gear, according to media reports.
Prosecutors stated that one of the deceased was a French skier who had been traveling alone. The other two victims were British nationals participating in a guided group. The professional instructor survived the incident without injuries.
The tragedy follows the issuance of an exceptionally rare red avalanche alert in Savoie after Storm Nils deposited up to one meter of fresh snow across parts of the French Alps. Snow safety experts have cautioned that the unstable snowpack, particularly at higher elevations, has significantly increased the risk of avalanches.
Separate avalanche incidents were also reported in nearby resorts, including Tignes and the Mercantour mountains. In those cases, several skiers were caught but successfully rescued.
The latest fatalities bring the total number of avalanche-related deaths in France this winter season to 25. Authorities have urged skiers and holidaymakers to remain within clearly marked and secured areas as the peak ski season continues, emphasizing that off-piste conditions remain extremely dangerous.
