Two British skiers lost their lives in an avalanche incident during a holiday, with details of the mountain tragedy now revealed.

Stuart Leslie, aged 46, and Shaun Overy, aged 51, were among a group of five individuals who ventured off-piste with an instructor on the slopes of Val d’Isère, situated in south-eastern France. This occurred on Friday when a red avalanche alert was active in the region.

The tragic event unfolded as the two friends, along with a French skier who was skiing alone, were overwhelmed by cascading snow, leading them down to the base of the slope and into a stream where their bodies were later located by emergency responders.

Fortunately, another British skier managed to extricate himself from the snow, surviving the ordeal as reported by local media.

Cédric Bonnevie, the piste director at Val d’Isère, mentioned that the avalanche descended 400 meters (1,300 feet) down the slope, ultimately reaching the stream.

The exact cause of the avalanche remains unknown, although some French media outlets suggest it could have been triggered by the solo skier above the group.

While the two men were swiftly located within 15 minutes due to their possession of avalanche transceivers, the search for the third victim was prolonged as the device was submerged in the stream, rendering it inoperable.

Search efforts involving a dog team and avalanche probes led to the discovery of the third body several hours later.

Expressing his sorrow, Director Mr. Bonnevie conveyed, “This is always a sad situation. Three people in the same avalanche is so tragic.”

Local inquiries have raised concerns regarding the instructor’s decision to lead the group out during a red avalanche alert, a level of warning rarely issued in the past 25 years.

Family and friends have shared heartfelt tributes for Stuart, a sales and marketing director at Barratt Redrow construction, recalling him as a remarkable individual who lived life to the fullest.

Shaun, who operated a plumbing business in Wimbledon with his wife Rebecca, was also remembered fondly through social media posts showcasing his passion for skiing and family adventures.

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