A Baildon skier who died in the Alps may have accidentally helped trigger the avalanche which killed him, according to French police.

Police in the resort of Val d'Isere have said they believe Mark Wilson, pictured, 29, and the two other Britons he was with, may have started the avalanche themselves while skiing off-piste in the Three Valleys area.

"The conditions were very dangerous," a spokesman said. "The snow tends to come down the mountain, sometimes without any people on it and sometimes because of the weight of one, two or three skiers."

Police had earlier revealed there was a risk of avalanche when the party set off.

But Mark's father Martin Wilson, who declined to comment in detail on the claims, said his son was an experienced and careful skier and had been a regular on the slopes since he was 11. He said Mark's employers, London-based tour operator VIP, are planning a memorial service next Wednesday near the spot where he died.

The former Salt Grammar pupil's body is to be returned to Baildon.

A Ski Club of Great Britain spokesman said: "If you want to ski off-piste we advise people to be very aware that there are always dangers even when the risk appears minimal.''

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