Anne Clayton: British woman dead after hitting tree skiing in French Alps resort

A British woman has died after crashing into a tree while skiing on the French Alps. Anne Clayton, 54, from Stockport, lost control while attempting a blue-grade (moderate difficulty) ski slope in the resort of La Plagne in the Savoy region of the Alps.

According to French newspaper Le Parisien, Clayton was descending the ski slope named Ours when she lost control and hurled into the tree after careering off-piste.

Clayton received treatment from a mountain rescue team after injuring her head but died at the scene. She was on holiday with her two sons at the time of the accident.

One of her sons, Stephen, told the Manchester Evening News: "We were on holiday together when it happened. We have all skied all of our lives – she was a good skier. It was not a difficult run but because it rained last night it was quite icy. She lost control and dropped 20 foot off the piste and made contact with a tree."

He added: "She really looked after us and was a really caring person. She also helped out at various food banks around our local area. She was known for her voluntary work.

"Mum was very caring and would not do anything for herself unless it benefited other people. She was always ready to do a lot for others. She had a lot of close friends that we have had to tell. She was very popular.

Clayton was reported to have been a volunteer at various charities, including the Manchester Street Angels. In a statement via Facebook, the charity said: "Our very dear friend & amazing angel has sadly passed away. God needed a true Angel to join him. Sending all our love to her family, friends & fellow Angels. Rest in peace, gone but never forgotten."

The Foreign Office confirmed the death of the British woman in France. A spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who has sadly died in Macot le Plagne, France, and remain in contact with the French authorities over the incident."