Tragedy struck the ski slopes of Val d'Isère, France, when an 18-year-old rising star in French skiing, died in a crash during a training session on Thursday, casting a shadow over the upcoming Red Bull Alpine competition for which she was practicing.

As a promising career is cut short, Margot Simond's death has shocked the global ski community, as the New York Post reports.

Simond was training on the Envers de Bellevarde, a challenging, black-rated slope, when the fatal incident happened. Despite immediate medical attention by an on-site doctor, her life could not be saved. The exact cause of the crash remains unclear as investigations continue.

Her recent achievements included a victory at the 2025 FIS Junior World Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, and the national junior slalom title at Les Menuires.

Since beginning her international career in 2023, Simond quickly made a name for herself with numerous wins in competitive events.

Ski community plunged into grief

News of Simond's death has sent shockwaves through the skiing world. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), deeply saddened, expressed its condolences via a touching Instagram post. The federation acknowledged her potential and the profound loss her untimely death represents.

Among those mourning are prominent figures like Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, both of whom have publicly shared their sorrow and sympathy.

Vonn extended "sincere condolences to the family," accompanied by emotive emojis that echoed the sentiments of many across the sport.

The French Ski Federation has also recognized the depth of impact Simond's passing has on the community. They shared their profound sadness and called attention to the loss of a bright, young talent whose future in the sport had been highly anticipated.

Scheduled events cancelled

As a direct consequence of this tragedy, the anticipated skiing event organized by Olympic champion Clément Noël, scheduled for this weekend in Val d'Isère, was canceled. The decision reflects the community's desire to mourn and show respect for Simond and her family during this difficult time.

Meanwhile, the local prosecutor's office has opened an investigation to ascertain the detailed circumstances behind the incident. This is a routine procedure in accidents involving fatalities where the cause is not immediately apparent.

Despite her young age, Simond's impact on the sport was significant, marked by her passion and dedication.

Her presence at international competitions brought a fresh energy and demonstrated her potential to become one of the sport’s greats.

Lessons to learn

1. Importance of Safety: Always prioritize safety over competition, even in high-level sports training. Implement thorough checks and maintenance of equipment and training environments.

2. Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that immediate medical assistance is available at all training and competition venues to manage any incidents effectively.

3. Community Support: In times of tragedy, the strength of community support can provide crucial emotional backing to those affected. It's important to come together and support each other in such times.

Why this story matters

Margot Simond’s death is not just a loss for the skiing world but also a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-level competitive sports. It brings to light the necessary ongoing dialogue about safety measures in sports training and competition. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of community and mutual support in the face of tragedy.

As the ski community and her family mourn the loss of a young talent, the broader implications of her untimely demise are felt worldwide. Investigations will continue to offer insights, hopefully leading to enhanced safety protocols that prevent future tragedies.