British skier dies after ‘high-speed’ accident in French resort
A British tourist has died following an off-piste skiing accident in the French Alps, emergency services confirmed on Sunday.
The man, 50, suffered a cardiac arrest and multiple injuries after a heavy fall in the afternoon, the management of local ski operator Meribel Alpina said.
The accident took place in the Saulire sector in the alpine resort of Meribel, where the world skiing championships are currently underway.
The skier was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, according to local media reports.
A ski station operator reportedly witnessed the accident as it unfolded and described the man as “taking off” into the air before he landed at a “very high speed”.
Mountain rescuers from Courchevel reportedly arrived at the site less than a quarter of an hour after being notified by the resort employee, according to French media.
Witnesses of the incident, who have not been named, are said to be “in shock” and are receiving professional psychological support.
French police have launched an investigation. At present it is thought that the high speed at which the skier was travelling caused the fatal accident.
It is unclear if the man was visiting the Alpine World Ski Championships, which are being held in Meribel and Courchevel until Feb 19.
