AN IRISH skier was killed by an avalanche in the Swiss Alps on Monday, it has been confirmed.
The 29-year-old is one of seven people to have lost their lives on the slopes in recent days.
An avalanche took place on Monday afternoon after a block of snow gave way on the Col des Gentianes mountain, located within the Siviez ski resort.
The Irishman was one of three skiers who veered away from the marked slope at around 12.20pm, according to local police.
He was then reportedly swept away by the avalanche while skiing off-piste.
Emergency services managed to rescue the man who was flown to hospital by helicopter, but later died of his injuries.
Police have confirmed that the Irish national was permanently residing in the Valais region of Switzerland.
An investigation into the circumstances of his death is now underway and the Department of Foreign Affairs has said that it “stands ready to provide consular assistance”.
The Irishman is one of numerous people to have died recently as the avalanche risk across most of the Swiss Alps stands at its second highest level.
