A tragic incident has claimed the life of a 62-year-old British woman following a "violent collision" on a ski slope in the French Alps. The accident occurred at the Les Arcs resort in Savoie, south-eastern France, around 10:30 (09:30 GMT) on a well-groomed black run on the Aiguille Rouge mountain. The woman was descending the mountain when she lost control of her skis and collided with a stationary skier, a 35-year-old British man.
The collision resulted in traumatic shock for the woman, who died shortly afterwards. Local authorities are now conducting an investigation to uncover the precise circumstances surrounding the accident. Leading the investigation is local prosecutor Benoît Bachelet, with cooperation from Phillipe Janin, the director of slope safety at the resort.
In the aftermath of the collision, officials described the impact as "violent." The woman lost control before crashing into the stationary skier, leading to what is being treated as a traumatic death. This unfortunate event highlights the inherent risks associated with skiing. According to the Domaines Skiables de France, an average of 10 traumatic deaths occur each year on French slopes, with up to half resulting from collisions with obstacles or other skiers.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has extended support to the grieving family and remains in contact with local authorities.
"We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in France and are in contact with the local authorities." – A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The investigation will aim to provide clarity on how such a tragic incident unfolded on a well-maintained slope. Skiers are reminded to exercise caution, especially on challenging runs where speed and control can become significant factors.
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