Three skiers were killed in a major avalanche on Friday morning in an off-piste area of the ski domain at Val d'Isère, in the French Alps. The slide occurred in the Solaise sector, just off the Arcelle red run on a west facing slope at around 2200 meters altitude, as skiers were descending towards the Manchet valley.
According to the CRS des Alpes mountain rescue service, the avalanche struck at around 11:30am. Rescue operations were completed shortly before 2:00pm, with evacuation of the victims continuing into the early afternoon.
Guided Group Caught from Above
Two of the victims, both British nationals, were part of a group of four skiers accompanied by a professional. The group was positioned at the base of the slope when the avalanche released above them. According to initial information, they did not see the avalanche approaching. All members of the guided group were equipped with standard avalanche safety gear, including transceivers, shovels and probes.
A third victim, a French national, was skiing higher up the slope and was not part of the guided party. He was also equipped with avalanche safety equipment. This skier is believed to have been caught directly by the initial release. Six skiers in total were swept away in what rescuers described as cascading avalanches. One person suffered minor injuries. The third victim was located only after a complex search operation, having been carried into the bed of a the Manchet stream by the force of the slide.
Trigger Cause Under Investigation
Cédric Bonnevie, director of the Val d’Isère lift company (régie des pistes), said an investigation is now underway. Authorities are examining whether the avalanche may have been triggered by the skier higher up the slope. However, he stressed that remote triggering by the guided group, or a natural release, cannot be ruled out at this stage. The Albertville public prosecutor has opened a judicial investigation for involuntary manslaughter, which has been entrusted to the CRS des Alpes.
Very High Avalanche Danger
The tragedy occurred amid exceptionally dangerous avalanche conditions in the Haute-Tarentaise massif. The regional avalanche bulletin issued on Thursday evening warned of very large spontaneous avalanches capable of reaching villages, roads and ski resorts, particularly during the early morning hours. The danger level was rated 5 (Very High), expected to ease to 4 (High) during in the day.
Forecasters highlighted widespread unstable slabs above 1,800 metes altitude formed by recent wind-loaded snow, reactive both locally and at a distance. A deeply buried persistent weak layer was identified as an additional aggravating factor, with the potential to produce large, destructive avalanches. The bulletin specifically identified the Tignes/Val d’Isère area as one of the most exposed sectors.
Authorities continue to urge extreme caution in backcountry terrain as investigations into Friday’s fatal accident proceed.