Two Skiers Die in Val-d'Isere Avalanche Amid High Risk Warnings

Tragic Incident in French Alps

Val-d'Isere, France – Two French skiers tragically lost their lives on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after being engulfed by an avalanche while skiing off-piste in the renowned Val-d'Isere resort in the French Alps. The incident occurred in the Vallée Perdue (Lost Valley) sector, a challenging off-piste area located on the backside of the Bellevarde mountain.

Local authorities and rescue services confirmed that the two individuals were part of a larger group when a slab of snow broke away from a steep sidewall, triggering a powerful avalanche that funneled into the narrow, canyon-like gully where the skiers were traversing.

Rescue Efforts and Safety Concerns

Members of the skiers' group, who had remained on the marked piste, raised the alarm after losing sight of their companions. Rescue teams were quickly deployed to the scene. The victims were found buried under approximately 2.5 meters of compacted snow. Rescuers were able to locate the skiers using their mobile phones, as they were reportedly not equipped with avalanche transceivers. Despite extensive efforts, both skiers were in cardiac arrest upon discovery and could not be revived.

The identities and ages of the deceased skiers have not been publicly released, pending notification of their families.

High Avalanche Risk in the Region

The fatal avalanche took place during a period of heightened danger in the French Alps. French weather forecasters had issued warnings of a significant avalanche risk, rating it at Level 4 out of 5 on the European avalanche danger scale. This elevated risk followed several days of heavy snowfall and strong winds across the region, creating unstable snowpack conditions.

This incident was one of at least two separate avalanches reported in the French Alps on the same day, which collectively claimed three lives. Authorities have reiterated calls for extreme caution, particularly for those venturing into off-piste areas, and emphasized the critical importance of carrying appropriate avalanche safety equipment, including transceivers, probes, and shovels.