At least four people have died, and 5 are reported missing after an avalanche in the French Alps.

The skiers were caught off piste at the resort of Tignes, close to the Italian border.

According to local newspaper Le Dauphine Libere, a number of skiers are reportedly still trapped in the snow.

Others are still trapped in the snow, according to the Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS) police unit based in Albertville.

“Five people are still trapped with a large amount of snow on them,” the unit said.

This week is one of the busiest for skiing in the region, and there was a fresh snowfall of 10cm.

Avalanche risk, before the incident, was rated as a 3 on a scale of 5.

Experts says that the stronger winds and warmer temperature made the avalanche more likely.