Brit, 50, dies after falling 'several dozen metres' while skiing in French Alps

13 February 2023 , 05:30

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The skier was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local media reports (Image: Getty Images/500px Prime)

A British tourist has died after crashing at high speed while skiing in the French Alps.

The 50-year-old man suffered several injuries and a cardiac arrest after falling "several dozen metres" and impacting the ground during an off-piste skiing session at the alpine resort of Meribel.

The accident occurred in the Saulire sector in the resort, where the world skiing championships are currently being held.

The skier was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local media reports.

A local ski station operator and witness to the incident said he saw the man “taking off” into the air before landing at a “very high speed”.

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Rescue services reportedly arrived on the scene within 15 minutes of being called (Getty Images/EyeEm)

A mountain rescue team arrived at the scene within 15 minutes of being notified by the employee, according to French media.

Witnesses to the accident were reportedly "in shock" and receiving professional psychological support, The Telegraph reports.

French police have opened an investigation but at present believe that the accident was caused by the high speed at which the skier was travelling.

In a separate incident, a 21-year-old American died in the Upper Savoie mountains, with media reporting that he fell 200 metres down the mountain near Chamonix.

The Times reported that a total of 12 deaths were recorded in the French mountains during the 2021-22 ski season, according to The French National Mountain Safety Observation System (SNOSM).

Some 45,000 people were treated for injuries, while rescue and emergency services attended around 50,000 incidents.

Will Maule