British skier dies after falling off cliff in French Alps

A British skier has died after falling from a cliff in the French Alps, according to mountain rescue authorities.

The man was one of three skiers who had got into trouble while at the Alpe d'Huez resort on Saturday morning.

According to mountain rescue spokesman Francois Bepol, the group ventured off-piste and went in the wrong direction.

They got into difficulty and took off their skis to try to climb upwards, Mr Bepol said.

The cliff, however, was "very steep and icy" and two of the three men fell.

The British man was found dead while the second man who fell was uninjured.

The third man, who had not fallen, was not harmed.

Mr Bepol could not confirm their ages.

Alpe d'Huez is a ski resort at 1,250 to 3,330 metres (4,100ft-10,826ft) in the central French western Alps.

The Foreign Office said: "Following the death of a British national in the French Alps, we are providing consular support to the family.

"We remain in close contact with local authorities.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time."

Meanwhile, a 13-year-old boy has also died after falling from a cliff in the French Alps.

The boy and his 10-year-old brother both fell from a 150m (492ft) cliff near Avoriaz ski resort, about 160 miles from Alpe d'Huez and near the Swiss border.

The younger brother was taken to hospital but his condition is not life-threatening.

The boys had been skiing alone on Saturday, while on holiday with their family.