Brit skier dies after 'sliding to death' on one of world's most difficult slopes

08 February 2024 , 16:57

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The slope is too difficult to fit into the standard classification system (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

A British skier fell "several hundred metres" to his death yesterday on one of the world's most difficult slopes, police have confirmed.

The Chavanette route, more commonly known as the Swiss Wall, in the Valais ski resort near Champery, was closed at the time of the fatal incident. The 47-year-old died at the scene despite first aid attempts being made, according to Valais Police. The tragic incident happened around 9:45am local time and the man was with another skier and a snowboarder.

The slope, which starts on the French-Swiss border before plummeting into Switzerland, is classified as Orange in the difficulty rating system — meaning it is too difficult to fit into the standard classification. It has a 37° average slope and up to 76% gradient. Some of the bumps can reach up to two metres in height. "It’s not just that it’s steep and icy. It’s cut with moguls [large bumps] the size of Minis, too, and even though the slope gets gentler further down, the bumps continue all the way to the bottom. As a rule of thumb, we reckon skiers need at least eight weeks’ experience just to be able to get down — and even then they’re not likely to be skiing with any style or rhythm", Ian McKellar, a former British mogul champion who now runs the Avoriaz Alpine Ski School previously told the Times.

At least three Brits have died in ski-related incidents in just 11 days. On Monday 29th of January a 30-year-old died after a "heavy fall" on a French slope. The day before, on Sunday, a 63-year-old man suffered a heart attack at another ski resort in France. In December, a British woman and her son were killed when an avalanche hit their ski resort in France. The two victims - a 54-year-old British mother and her son, 22 - were found buried and deceased, French media reported.

The Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation in collaboration with the cantonal police into today's tragedy. The cantonal police remind the public that while ski slopes are marked to make the level of difficulty more visible, the different colours are only recommendations and individuals bear their own responsibility for their physical fitness and that day's weather conditions.

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An FCDO Spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British National who has died in Switzerland and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Rachel Hagan