Edinburgh ski instructor killed in Alps accident

It is understood Aaron McLean, 26, lost his life after suffering serious injuries during the incident on Thursday afternoon.

Bosses at Snowsport Scotland have paid tribute to Mr McLean, who learned to ski at the Hillend artificial slope on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

He also grew up in the area and was a co-founder of ski group British Freeride.

The full circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be established.

In a statement, Snowsport Scotland said: “It is with great sadness that we are informed today of the sudden death of Aaron McLean from a tragic accident in the Alps yesterday afternoon.

“Aaron, a talented back country skier, coach, and man of great enthusiasm and infectious energy, was immensely instrumental in the formation of British Freeride last year, the organisation that has created our Junior Freeride Coaching Pathway.

“Aaron was also behind the inspirational award winning backcountry skiing movie, Late.”

They added: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and close friends and we hope his legacy will live on through the continued activity of British Freeride.”

Late, the film which Mr McLean helped produce, tells the story of a group of British skiers and boarders who set out on an adventure in the Scottish highlands.

They travel between Killin and Aviemore, through Glencoe, Ben Nevis and the Cairngorm mountains, encountering some of Scotland’s most impressive landscapes on the way.