Skier killed in collision with snowboarder in La Plagne

Man dies from head injuries sustained in a collision in the French Alps on New Years Eve

It is with sadness that we report the death of a skier following a collision with a snowboarder in the French ski resort La Plagne.

The incident happened on a red run on New Years Eve in the Grande Rochette area, where two pistes come together. Despite quick action by emergency services, a 47 year old man who is thought to have been on holiday at the time sadly passed away due to severe head injuries. Police are currently investigating the incident, though as yet it is not known who was at fault or how the collision occurred.

La Plagne is the most visited ski resort in the world, and following a long period without snow many pistes are hardpacked and icy. Due to snow conditions only about 50% of the pistes were open over the busy holiday period.

A 38 year old man from Paris also slid to his death after falling while skiing the Grand Montets area in Chamonix just before Christmas. The French Alps in particular have suffered a spate of accidents in the past few weeks, thought to be due to a combination of the limited number of runs open concentrating the holiday crowds and the icy conditions. We urge any readers in or travelling to the Alps to be aware of the conditions and to ski accordingly.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of both men.