11th January 2026
Two separate avalanches have claimed the lives of three off-piste skiers in the French Alps. There is a high risk of avalanche across parts of the Alps after a two day snowstorm. NEW
In Val d’Isere two French off-piste skiers died after being buried by an avalanche in the Lost Valley in the Bellevarde area of the ski area.
They were buried under 2.5m of snow and were not wearing transcievers.
The rescue teams located by localising the via their mobile phones and then conducted a probe search in an area measuring 10m by 15m..
The avalanche risk at the time was at Level 4 meaning there was a ‘high’ risk of avalanche.
In another incident in the Areches-Beaufort resort two off piste skiers were caught in an avalanche.
One died at the scene and the other is in hospital with serious head injuries.
That part of the Alps has seen over 1m of snow in places since Thursday.
We have reported on the fall in the rolling PlanetSKI snow report:
The authorities are urging extreme caution as the weather lifts as much of the snow has fallen on an unstable base.
In Switzerland there is a Level 4 risk (high) across a large part of the Swiss Alps.
Avalanche danger in Switzerland, Saturday 10th January. Image c/o Swiss Avalanche Institute.
“Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow of the last four days are poorly bonded with the old snow pack in many places,” said the Swiss Avalanche Institute, SLF.
“More natural avalanches are possible until late in the night, even large ones.
“Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for extensive experience and great restraint.”
Sunday is forecast to be a clear day in many places and the authorities fear people may be tempted to take risks skiing off piste.
National avalanche services in France, Switzerland, Austria & Italy Spain are urging extreme caution for anyone planning to ski, ride, or travel in mountain terrain on Sunday.
There has also been heavy snow in parts of the Pyrenees with risk of avalanches.
Here at PlanetSKI we are monitoring the situation and will update later.
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