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Fatal Avalanche at Val Thorens Ski Resort Claims British Life
Tragic Incident Follows Heavy Snowfall in French Alps
A British man has tragically died after being caught in an avalanche within the popular Val Thorens ski resort in the French Alps. The 27-year-old was engulfed by snow near the resort entrance following a significant snowstorm.
Details of the Avalanche and Rescue Efforts
The victim was discovered buried in snow on Thursday at the resort’s periphery. Emergency services promptly transported him to Grenoble Hospital but, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead on Friday morning. According to reports from Francebleu, the man was lodging with friends at the UCPA center in Val Thorens.
Official Statements on Avalanche Danger
Ludovic Trautmann, director of the Savoie prefecture, stated that ‘Four landslides have been reported in Les Menuires and Val Thorens, two of which reached the town center.’ He further emphasized the ongoing risk, saying, ‘Given the conditions in the coming days, we are calling for the utmost vigilance. The buried person was affected by the landslide at the bottom of the resort.’
A rescue helicopter was initially dispatched but could not reach the location due to adverse weather. Firefighters then transported the victim to the hospital while he was in cardio-respiratory arrest.
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Legal Inquiry Underway
The Albertville prosecutor released a statement confirming the incident: ‘On April 17, 2025, an avalanche occurred shortly after 10am at the entrance to Val Thorens. A British man, situated beside the road, was buried and carried approximately fifteen meters downhill.’
The 27-year-old British man was found buried under snow at the entrance to the Val Thorens resort before being taken to Grenoble Hospital where he died (file image)
Val Thorens, a popular resort in the French Alps, experienced heavy snowfall leading to avalanche risks and fatalities (pictured)
Widespread Weather Disruption Across the Alps
Meteo France has placed the Savoie region under an orange avalanche alert due to the substantial snowfall. Resorts including Tignes and Val Thorens implemented lockdown measures, restricting residents and holidaymakers from leaving their accommodations for safety.
Regional Impact of Severe Storm
The severe spring storm has caused widespread disruption across the Alps. Two additional fatalities were reported in northern Italy on Friday, bringing the regional death toll higher. The storm has triggered road closures, train disruptions, and power outages across France, Italy, and Switzerland.
Italian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage
In Italy, the bodies of a 64-year-old man and his 33-year-old son were discovered near Vicenza. These deaths raise the Italian death toll to three. The pair were involved in rescue efforts following torrential rains when their car was swept away by floodwaters. Luca Zaia, head of the Venetian region, described the event as an ‘unimaginable tragedy.’ Previously, a 92-year-old man was found deceased in his flooded home in Piedmont, according to fire services.
Extreme Snowfall and Continued High Avalanche Risk
Authorities reported ‘intense and abundant’ rainfall in northern Italy, transitioning to snow above 5,905ft. In Tignes, residents were ordered to remain indoors after over 3.5ft of snow accumulated overnight.
A hotel employee in Tignes, named Mathis, described the conditions as precarious, stating, ‘All cars are covered up to the roof… Just walking outside is worrying.’
Avalanche risk has been elevated to maximum levels in several areas, leading to the closure of numerous ski areas. The Swiss town of Sion, with 36,000 residents, also issued stay-at-home advisories.
Concerns Over Snowmelt and Further Disruption
Yann Geaudry, a retired ski instructor in Termignon, expressed concern about potential flooding from snowmelt in warmer spring weather, noting, ‘In such a short time, this is an enormous amount (of snow).’
Road closures are widespread across the affected countries due to fallen trees and avalanche dangers. Heavy trucks are prohibited from using the Mont Blanc tunnel between France and Italy, and many vehicles are stranded on highways. Train services have also been impacted, and thousands of homes have lost power in both France and Italy.
Didier Beauchet, a resident of Lanslebourg in Savoie for 40 years, described the situation as ‘truly exceptional,’ adding, ‘I must have seen that only five times,’ while observing motorists attempting to clear snow from their vehicles.