August M
A winter holiday in the French Alps has ended in tragedy after a young British skier lost his life in a dramatic fall. The incident has prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of venturing off marked ski runs.
Authorities say the accident unfolded within moments, leaving little chance for intervention.
According to Mirror reporting, a 24-year-old British holidaymaker died after plunging almost 300 metres while skiing in the Les Arcs 2000 area of the French Alps. The man, who has not been named, was skiing off-piste with a group shortly before the fatal fall.
The incident occurred as two skiers in the group attempted to traverse a particularly steep section of the slope. One of them lost control on the steep slope and fell a considerable distance.
Rescue attempt
Members of the group raised the alarm immediately. Two ski patrollers rushed to the scene, and an air ambulance was dispatched from Courchevel.
The victim suffered a cardiac arrest and was unconscious following the fall. Police arrived around 30 minutes after the first alert, but despite emergency efforts, the skier was pronounced dead.
The second skier who attempted the descent became trapped at the top of the slope and was later rescued by a police helicopter, reports The Times.
Ongoing concerns
More than 20 million people visit Alpine ski destinations each year, including over one million UK travellers. Authorities continue to stress that preparation, awareness of conditions and appropriate insurance are essential to reducing risk.
Sources: Mirror, Le Dauphiné Libéré, The Times, UK Foreign Office
