British skier, just 24, dies after falling almost 300 metres down mountainside in French Alps

Two members of his party had been trying to navigate a particularly treacherous section of the mountainside.

One skier lost their footing and tumbled uncontrollably for approximately 300 metres down the slope.

Witnesses from the group immediately raised the alarm, prompting two ski patrollers to rush to the scene.

Upon arrival, they found the British skier had suffered a cardiac arrest and was unconscious.

An air ambulance was dispatched from Courchevel to collect the casualty.

Police reached the location around 30 minutes after the initial emergency call was made.

Despite the combined efforts of emergency services personnel, the young Briton could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second skier who had attempted to descend the challenging route became stranded at the top of the slope.

He was subsequently airlifted to safety by a police helicopter.

The deadly piste is broad at its summit but narrows considerably towards the base.

The dangerous stretch was situated above an avalanche dam in the Chavonnes area, according to French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere.

It comes to an end at a ridge with minimal snow coverage, which significantly heightens the danger for skiers.

Les Arcs has since issued a statement offering "its most sincere thoughts to the family and the friends of the victim".

Ski authorities have since urged visitors to steer clear of extremely steep off-piste areas due to the risks involved.

During the 2023-24 ski season, 29 people lost their lives across France, with more than 50,000 sustaining injuries.

The previous season recorded 21 fatalities.

In February, another young British skier was discovered dead at the base of a cliff at Avoriaz, a resort perched above the town of Morzine.

The 23-year-old had reportedly been skiing with friends before attending a party at the popular apres-ski venue La Folie Douce.

He is believed to have then attempted to ski down the mountain alone and became lost.

His companions alerted authorities when he failed to return to his accommodation, and search teams located his body the following day.