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Avalanche claims life of British skier in French Alps

Feb 17, 2026, 5:29 PM10
(Update: Feb 17, 2026, 5:29 PM)
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Avalanche claims life of British skier in French Alps

  • A British skier, Stuart Leslie, was killed in an avalanche while skiing off-piste in Val d'Isère, France.
  • The resort had issued a rare red alert for avalanche risks the day before the incident.
  • The tragedy has sparked discussions about skiing safety and the dangers of off-piste skiing.
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In the French Alps, a tragic incident occurred at the Val d'Isère ski resort, where a British skier named Stuart Leslie was killed in an avalanche. This event took place late on a Friday morning, impacting a group of four skiers who were skiing off-piste, which was strongly discouraged due to the high avalanche risk. Authorities reported that a second British skier and a French skier also lost their lives during the avalanche, raising concerns about skiing in these hazardous conditions. The avalanche swept down a slope for approximately 400 meters, and its cause is still under investigation. On the day prior to the incident, Val d'Isère had issued a red alert regarding avalanche risks. This was a rare occurrence, marking only the third time in 25 years such a warning had been made. The risks associated with off-piste skiing had been clearly communicated by the resort, with a risk level of four out of five being given by the French national weather service, Meteo-France. It was reported that a ski instructor, who was part of the group, survived the incident without injury and tested negative for drugs and alcohol, suggesting that the incident could have been preventable. Following the tragedy, tributes poured in for Stuart Leslie from friends who described him as a 'true legend.' They shared heartfelt memories of his passion for skiing and his zest for life, emphasizing how he embraced every moment and lived life to the fullest. This incident has not only shattered the lives of those close to Mr. Leslie but has also prompted a broader conversation about skiing safety in potentially dangerous conditions, particularly regarding off-piste skiing where avalanche risks are higher. The avalanche in Val d'Isère adds to a series of recent fatal incidents in the Alps, including a British skier in his 50s who died at the La Plagne resort earlier in January, highlighting the growing concern over avalanche safety during heavy snowfalls. With adverse weather leading to increased avalanche activity in ski regions, authorities are likely to reinforce their warnings and guidelines to prevent future tragedies, ensuring skiers remain aware of the dangers as they seek adventure in the mountains.

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