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Alpine Avalanche Toll Rises With Two Dead in Italy as British Victims Identified in Val d’Isère

Rescue agencies warn fresh snow over weak layers has created an unusually unstable, easily triggered snowpack.

Overview

  • Two skiers were killed and one injured on the Italian side of Mont Blanc along Courmayeur’s Couloir Vesses, with 15 rescuers, three dog teams and two helicopters deployed.
  • British nationals Stuart Leslie, 46, and Shaun Overy, 51, were named as two of the three people killed in Friday’s off‑piste avalanche at Val d’Isère, confirmed by the UK Foreign Office.
  • A manslaughter investigation has been opened in France; the instructor with the British group was unharmed and tested negative for alcohol and drugs, according to officials.
  • Météo‑France issued a rare red alert for Savoie the day before the Val d’Isère slide, with the local avalanche danger rated four out of five during the incident.
  • Val d’Isère officials said two victims were located quickly thanks to transceivers, while a third device was submerged and failed, as authorities continue urging skiers to avoid off‑piste terrain.