A 62-year-old British woman has tragically died following a violent collision with a stationary skier on the slopes of Les Arcs in the French Alps.
The incident occurred on Tuesday on the Aiguille Rouge mountain in the Savoie region, renowned for its challenging ski runs.
The woman reportedly lost control of her skis while descending the mountain’s “well-groomed” black run, a slope known for being extremely difficult and suitable only for expert skiers.
The collision took place around 10:30 AM local time (09:30 GMT), when the woman crashed into a 35-year-old British man who had been stationary on the piste.
According to local authorities, the woman suffered severe traumatic shock following the impact and passed away shortly afterwards despite the swift arrival of emergency services. The man, who has not been named, broke his leg in the crash and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Phillipe Janin, the director of slope safety at Les Arcs, confirmed that both skiers were believed to have been wearing helmets at the time of the collision.
“It was an unfortunate accident,” he stated. “Both skiers were competent, but it seems the woman lost control of her skis before striking the other skier.”
The accident occurred on one of the resort’s most challenging slopes, which is classified as a black run due to its difficulty level. These slopes are typically reserved for expert skiers due to the steepness and technical demands.
The incident has led to an ongoing investigation by local prosecutor Benoît Bachelet to determine the exact cause of the crash.
“We are working to understand the precise circumstances of this tragic accident,” Bachelet said in a statement to the AFP news agency.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office expressed their condolences and confirmed they were in contact with the local authorities. “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in France,” the spokesperson said.
This tragic event highlights the risks of skiing on difficult slopes. According to Domaines Skiables de France, the association representing ski area operators in France, approximately 10 traumatic deaths are reported annually on French ski slopes. Around half of these fatalities result from collisions with obstacles or other skiers.
Les Arcs, part of the vast Paradiski ski area, is known for its varied terrain and stunning views, drawing skiers from around the world. However, it is also a location where accidents, although rare, are not uncommon due to the challenging nature of its slopes.
Ski resorts in the region have strict safety measures in place, but incidents like this serve as a reminder of the dangers inherent in high-speed, high-risk winter sports.
The family of the deceased woman has not yet been named, and authorities have not released further details about her identity. The investigation is expected to continue as experts examine the exact factors that contributed to the accident.
