Qualified ski instructor, 79, dies after smashing into trees on a beginner slope in the Italian Alps having lost control ‘when he suffered a heart attack or stroke’
- John Arnold, 79, from Birmingham found dead at Champoluc ski in Italy Sunday
- He had organised the annual training trip at different Alps resorts for 30 years
- But tragedy struck when Mr Arnold was skiing alone on a beginner-level blue run
- It is thought he lost control while taking a turn which caused him to ski into trees
A ski instructor has plunged to his death on holiday after veering off a beginner mountain slope.
John Arnold, 79, from Great Barr, Birmingham was found dead at the Champoluc ski resort in Italy on Sunday.
He had organised the annual training trip at different Alps resorts for 30 years.
John Arnold (pictured), 79, from Great Barr, Birmingham was found dead at the Champoluc ski resort in Italy on Sunday
But tragedy struck when Mr Arnold was skiing alone on a beginner-level blue run.
It is thought he lost control while taking a turn which caused him to plunge into trees.
An official who helped recover Mr Arnold’s body told the Times: ‘He either suffered a stroke or heart attack which caused him to lose control and leave the slope, or was fatally injured when he hit a tree.’
Post-mortem results have not yet been returned.
His body was only discovered when staff checked the slopes for straggling skiers before they closed for the day.
They spotted Mr Arnold’s bright skiing outfit. It is understood the ski instructor was also found wearing a helmet.
The head of the local Alpine rescue team said the slope was unfenced because it is not considered a challenging run.
He had organised the annual training trip at different Alps resorts for 30 years. But tragedy struck when Mr Arnold was skiing alone on a beginner-level blue run. Pictured: Sunset Antagnod in Valle d ‘Aosta Italy
Mr Arnold joined the Midland Ski Club in 1974.
He had been an active member and held several committee positions over the years.
He qualified as an instructor himself in 1984 and taught at Ackers Adventures dry ski slope in Birmingham.
A club member said: ‘Everyone is very upset and devastated. We are still trying to find out what has happened.
‘He had been a member of the club for years and was well known, having been on the committee and president.’
The Champoluc resort is the largest located in the Monterosa skiing area.
It is known for attracting off-piste skiers and snowboarders and is advertised is being less crowded than other Italian resorts.