British skier dies in horror collision in French Alps

An investigation is underway

The 62-year-old reportedly crashed into a stationary male skier, who is also British, on the Aiguille Rouge mountain in the south-east resort of Les Arcs.

The tragic incident happened on Tuesday (January 14) at around 10:30am local time.

French news outlet Le Dauphine reports that the woman died shortly afterwards from traumatic shock.

The man, 35, broke his leg in the collision and was rushed to hospital. Neither of them have been named.

Officials have confirmed an investigation is underway.

An enquiry source told the Independent that it is believed the woman "lost control of her skis" whilst descending the black run on the Aiguille Rouge.

They said: “A male skier was perhaps hidden in a gully on the run, and standing still, when he was hit from behind.

“The collision was extremely fast and violent, because of the speed of the run, which was on a very well-groomed piste.”

Both skiers were wearing helmets, authorities have said.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in France and are in contact with the local authorities."

A spokesperson for Les Arcs said: “Despite the rapid intervention of the ski rescuers, assisted by the Courchevel CRS teams and the emergency doctor, the English victim could not be resuscitated.

“The stationary skier, aged 35, was taken to the Arc 2000 medical centre with a fractured tibia-fibula.”

According to Domaines Skiables de France, an average of 10 deaths are caused by collisions on French slopes every year. Up to half of these are a result of skiers hitting each other.