Avalanches in the Alps

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SUMMARY

Three skiers died after being caught in an avalanche in Val d'Isère, France, on February 13, 2026, where the avalanche risk was rated high (4/5) the previous day. As of June 13, 2026, a series of avalanches across the French Alps on March 15, 2026, resulted in at least one fatal accident at La Grave, highlighting unstable snow conditions. This follows a particularly deadly avalanche season in 2025-2026, with over 100 avalanche-related deaths across the Alps by February 25, 2026, including at least 30 in the French Alps alone. A manslaughter investigation was launched by the Albertville public prosecutor's office after the Val d'Isère incident, which killed two British nationals and one French national. Two additional skiers were killed in an avalanche in northern Italy on March 21, 2026, bringing the European total to approximately 127 by mid-March, prompting avalanche safety training in Val d'Isère.

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Timeline of developments

June 2026 1 developments

  1. Avalanches in French Alps Cause Fatalities on March 15

    A series of avalanches occurred across the French Alps on March 15, 2026, resulting in at least one fatal accident reported at La Grave. These incidents highlighted unstable snow conditions due to recent snowfall, strong winds, and warming temperatures. This follows earlier fatal avalanches in February in Val d'Isère and near La Grave.

March 2026 1 developments

  1. Avalanche Safety Training Offered in Val d'Isère After Fatal Incidents

    Two skiers were killed in an avalanche in northern Italy on March 21, 2026, bringing the European total to approximately 127 by mid-March. In response to the series of fatal incidents, avalanche safety training is now being offered in Val d'Isère.

February 2026 4 developments

  1. Albertville Prosecutor Launches Manslaughter Investigation After Val d'Isère Avalanche Kills Three

    A manslaughter investigation has been launched by the Albertville public prosecutor's office following an avalanche in Val d'Isère that killed three skiers. The victims were identified as two British nationals and one French national. The incident occurred in the Manchet valley area after Storm Nils brought significant fresh snow.

  2. Three skiers die in Val d'Isère avalanche

    Three skiers died after being caught in an avalanche in Val d'Isère, France. The avalanche swept away a total of six skiers, with three succumbing to their injuries despite the swift intervention of rescue services. The avalanche risk in the region had been rated as high (4/5) the previous day.