Tragic events unfolded on Friday, February 12, 2026, as an avalanche struck Val d'Isere, a renowned ski resort in the French Alps, resulting in the deaths of three skiers, including two British nationals. The avalanche occurred around 11:30 AM local time and targeted several individuals skiing off-piste, a practice known for its inherent risks. Among the casualties were the two Britons, who were part of a group of five accompanied by a professional instructor but were unable to notice the imminent danger bearing down on them, according to local officials.

Authorities indicated that the third victim of the avalanche was a French skier who was skiing solo and remained high up on the mountain slope at the time of the incident. The spokesperson for the resort emphasized the dangers of off-piste skiing, which had been strongly discouraged, highlighting the necessity for skiers to adhere to safety guidelines and local advisories to prevent such tragedy from occurring.

This incident has raised concerns regarding safety in popular ski resorts, particularly with regards to the risks associated with skiing off marked trails. With skiing being a major attraction in the French Alps and a significant source of tourism, local officials are likely to reassess safety measures and provide additional awareness about avalanche risks, hoping to prevent future incidents like this one that claimed the lives of three individuals, two of whom held British nationality.