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Red Avalanche Alert: Courmayeur Struck, Three Britons Dead

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

An avalanche near Courmayeur struck the Zerotta chairlift, with no casualties reported.
The incident comes as a deadly Alps week leaves at least three Britons dead in France.
Recent storms have created hazardous conditions, prompting Meteo France to issue a red avalanche alert.
Rescuers report a record 13 fatalities in the Italian mountains last week, with ten linked to unstable snowpack avalanches.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 avalanches in the Alps, including the deadly Galtür avalanche that killed 31 people, prompted the Italian government to enforce stricter safety regulations for ski resorts. Historical avalanches, such as the 1950-1951 Winter of Terror, which claimed 265 lives, highlight the ongoing risks of winter sports. Recent severe storms continue to threaten safety, underscoring the need for improved avalanche monitoring and safety measures.

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Story summary

An avalanche near Courmayeur struck the Zerotta chairlift, with no casualties reported.
The incident comes as a deadly Alps week leaves at least three Britons dead in France.
Recent storms have created hazardous conditions, prompting Meteo France to issue a red avalanche alert.
Rescuers report a record 13 fatalities in the Italian mountains last week, with ten linked to unstable snowpack avalanches.

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