Warnings over off-piste skiing in French Alps after American dies
Skier hit head on exposed rock during lesson with instructor
Off-piste skiing is discouraged during certain weather conditions. Photo shows the Val Thorens resort, near where the accident happened
2021 Olga Gavrilova/Shutterstock
Warnings against off-piste skiing in certain conditions have been raised in France following the death of an American skier in Savoie, one of several ski-related deaths in recent days across the Alps.
The man, 45, was skiing off-piste in the Val Thorens resort with two others as part of a lesson with an independent instructor, when he lost his balance. His head hit a rock during the fall.
Despite wearing a helmet, he was pronounced dead soon after emergency services responded to the incident.
An investigation was opened by local authorities into the death, including for ‘drug use’ by the instructor and ‘involuntary manslaughter through a manifestly deliberate violation of safety and precautionary obligations,’ Le Parisien reported, quoting a statement issued by the local public prosecutor.
It is one of several Alpine ski deaths in recent days, following incidents at La Plagne and Valloire (one including a mountain guide), Les Karellis, and Méribel-Mottaret, where a young skier also going off-piste died.
Warnings over off-piste skiing
While off-piste skiing is not illegal in France, it is only recommended for expert skiers, and during certain weather conditions is heavily discouraged.
Several days of low snowfall and heavy winds around Val Thorens made off-piste conditions more dangerous, as rocky outcrops usually buried in thick snow were swept away, said authorities.
Off-piste skiing is safest after heavy snowfall, which helps to cover most rocks with sufficient snow.
If you are unsure of conditions at a resort, ask a worker or check through official channels (social media, websites, etc) to see if information about off-piste skiing has been given.
In addition, going outside of marked boundaries can be dangerous due to the increased risk of avalanches in these areas, which can catch skiers unawares. State forecaster Météo France includes avalanche warnings as part of its official weather alert system.
If in doubt, resorts recommend sticking to marked slopes.
