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Two More Avalanche Deaths in French Alps Raise Weekend Toll to Five

Officials warn of a highly unstable snowpack, urging skiers to avoid off‑piste terrain.

Overview

  • A British man in his 50s died in La Plagne after being buried 2.5 meters deep; 52 rescuers with dogs and a helicopter reached him about 50 minutes later but could not revive him.
  • Another skier was killed in Courchevel late Sunday morning, according to the resort, as avalanche activity persisted across Savoie.
  • On Saturday, two off‑piste skiers died in Val‑d'Isère after being located by their mobile phones under roughly 2.5 meters of snow, and a third man was killed in Arêches‑Beaufort as his companion was rescued and hospitalized in serious condition.
  • Savoie police reported at least six avalanches by 12:30 p.m. Sunday and cautioned that the danger will remain high in the coming days.
  • Météo‑France has a level‑4 avalanche warning in place and forecasts easing snowfall with subzero temperatures that could produce black ice, while northeast roads face ongoing restrictions and aid efforts for stranded trucks.