Avalanches in the Alps
Two skiers were killed in an avalanche in northern Italy on March 21, 2026, bringing the total avalanche-related deaths in the European Alps to approximately 127 by mid-March. As of March 21, 2026: Europe is experiencing a particularly deadly avalanche season, with over 100 deaths across the Alps since February 25, 2026, including at least 30 in the French Alps. A manslaughter investigation was launched by the Albertville public prosecutor's office after an avalanche in Val d'Isère on February 14, 2026, killed three skiers, identified as two British nationals and one French national, following a high avalanche risk (4/5) due to Storm Nils. Additionally, a third British man and a Polish citizen died in an avalanche near La Grave on February 18, 2026, prompting further investigations. Avalanche safety training is now being offered in Val d'Isère in response to these fatal incidents.
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March 2026 — 1 developments
Two skiers were killed in an avalanche in northern Italy on March 21, 2026, bringing the European total to approximately 127 by mid-March.
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
Europe has experienced a particularly deadly avalanche season in 2025-2026, with over 100 avalanche-related deaths across the Alps as of February 25, 2026.
Europe has experienced a particularly deadly avalanche season in 2025-2026, with over 100 avalanche-related deaths across the Alps as of February 25, 2026. In the French Alps alone, at least 30 people have died, including the recent fatalities in Val d'Isère and near La Grave.
A third British man has died in an avalanche in the French Alps near La Grave on February 18, 2026.
A third British man has died in an avalanche in the French Alps near La Grave on February 18, 2026. Mountain rescuers pronounced him and a Polish citizen dead at the scene. Local authorities have launched investigations into this latest fatality and the earlier avalanche at Val d'Isère.
A manslaughter investigation has been launched by the Albertville public prosecutor's office following an avalanche in Val d'Isère that killed three skiers.
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.
Three skiers died after being caught in an avalanche in Val d'Isère, France.
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.