Friday saw avalanches reported in the French resorts of Val-Thorens, Courchevel, La Clusaz and Serre-Chevalier.
One man died while ski touring in Courchevel, his son survived the incident, while in Serre-Chevalier, a young skier died in hospital after being buried while skiing near a ski lift.
In La Clusaz, a mixed group of skiers and snowboarders were caught in an avalanche while skiing out of bounds. It’s been reported that the avalanche then slid down onto an open black slope, where fortunately there were no reported skiers at the time.
French authorities have also reported a death in an avalanche in La Plagne.
There are also reports from Val-Thorens of a group of off-piste skiers needing rescue after they set off an avalanche.
Things are no better in Switzerland, where heavy snowfall has also resulted in a high risk of avalanches. From here, two deaths have been reported - one in St Moritz and another near Realp.
If on the slopes this week, please take local advice seriously, as this early in the season the snow pack has not yet consolidated.
Please ski safely.
