Irish skier killed in avalanche in Switzerland

An Irish skier has been killed in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps.

The man believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s, was reported missing on St Stephen’s day at about 9.20pm local time in the Rotondo area, police in Switzerland’s Uri province reported.

It is believed he was cross-country skiing and because of poor weather conditions search and rescue teams could not be immediately deployed.

His body was found yesterday morning following a search by an alpine rescue helicopter, near the town of Realp.

The man lived near Zurich.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said last night that it was providing consular assistance to the victim’s family.