A 23-year-old British skier has been described as a “miracle survivor” after being completely buried under seven feet of snow during a terrifying avalanche in the French Alps resort of Tignes. Daniel Matthews was skiing off-piste in the Skimans Couloir area near the Palafour lift when the mountainside suddenly gave way on Friday, February 13, 2026, sending him tumbling in a chaotic torrent that felt like being inside a washing machine.

The dramatic moment was captured on video shared widely on social media. In the footage, Matthews can be seen navigating the steep, ungroomed slope when the snowpack fractures above him. A massive wall of white surges downward, sweeping him off his feet in an instant. He disappears into the churning mass, carried nearly 1,300 feet in a violent slide lasting about 30 seconds. The avalanche comes to an abrupt halt, leaving him entombed beneath heavy, compacted snow that he later compared to concrete.

Matthews was knocked unconscious for approximately five minutes during the ordeal. Buried face-down and immobile, he had no way to free himself initially. His friends, equipped with avalanche transceivers (also known as beacons), immediately activated search protocols. Within six minutes of the slide stopping, they located his signal and began probing and digging furiously. After nine minutes total burial time, Matthews managed to free his head and regain consciousness as rescuers reached him. Ski patrollers from CRS Alpes assisted in extricating him fully, and he was transported to safety.

In a heartfelt Instagram post shortly after the incident, Matthews reflected on the day: “Friday 13th was an unlucky and incredibly lucky day for me. I made a very bad and uneducated decision to ski Skimans Couloir just off the Palafour lift in Tignes. The mountainside collapsed beneath me, and I was swept away in a 1,300ft avalanche. Buried under 7ft of snow, unconscious for five minutes, left for dead—but my friends dug me out in minutes to spare. I’m incredibly lucky to be alive.”

He credited the group’s preparation and rapid response for his survival. All members carried transceivers, probes, and shovels—standard off-piste safety gear—and knew how to use them effectively. The quick location via beacons prevented the critical “golden 15 minutes” window from closing, during which avalanche survival rates drop sharply due to asphyxiation or crush injuries. Matthews suffered no major physical injuries beyond the initial trauma and was released after medical checks, though the psychological impact remains profound.

The incident highlights the persistent dangers of off-piste skiing in the Alps, even in well-known resorts like Tignes. Authorities had issued avalanche warnings for the region, with elevated risk levels in certain sectors due to recent snowfall and wind-loading on steep slopes. Skimans Couloir, while popular among experienced freeriders, sits outside marked and patrolled runs, meaning no formal grooming or mitigation work occurs there. The slide was triggered by the skier’s passage, a common cause in slab avalanches where a weak layer fails under added stress.

French mountain rescue services (PGHM and CRS Alpes) praised the group’s actions. A spokesperson noted: “We can say he’s a miracle survivor. The friends’ swift use of transceivers and digging saved precious time.” The video of the avalanche and rescue has circulated extensively, serving as both a cautionary tale and a testament to preparation. It shows the terrifying speed of the slide—snow accelerating to speeds over 50 mph—and the frantic efforts to probe and excavate once the beacon pinpointed Matthews’ position.

Matthews, an avid skier from the UK, shared gratitude toward his companions: “They never gave up. Digging through that heavy snow with minutes ticking—it’s hard to put into words.” He also urged others to respect avalanche forecasts and avoid off-piste routes without proper training and equipment. “I thought I knew the mountain, but nature doesn’t care about experience. Always carry the gear, know how to use it, and ski with people who do too.”

The French Alps have seen multiple avalanche incidents this season, including fatalities in nearby resorts. Just days earlier, separate slides claimed lives, underscoring variable conditions even in February. Tignes, part of the Espace Killy linked area with Val d’Isère, attracts thousands of international visitors annually for its high-altitude terrain and reliable snow. Yet off-piste adventures carry inherent risks, with experts estimating survival odds plummet after 15–20 minutes of burial.

Matthews’ story has resonated globally, with media outlets like The Sun, Daily Mail, and Metro covering the “incredibly lucky” escape. His Instagram account gained significant attention as he posted updates, including the raw video and a message of thanks to rescuers and friends. The footage—showing the slope fracturing and the white wave engulfing him—has been viewed millions of times, sparking discussions on avalanche awareness, the importance of beacons, and the thin line between thrill and tragedy in extreme sports.

Rescue teams emphasized education: avalanche training courses, beacon practice, and conservative decision-making in backcountry settings can make the difference. Matthews plans to continue skiing but with renewed caution. “I’m grateful every day. This was a wake-up call I’ll never forget.”

As winter continues in the Alps, his survival stands as a powerful reminder: preparation, quick action by companions, and sheer luck can turn a potential tragedy into a miracle. Daniel Matthews walked away from what could have been his last run—thanks to friends who refused to leave him buried.