British snowboarder suffocates after falling head first into snow off piste

A British snowboarder has suffocated after falling into the snow head first, it is reported.

The 25-year-old man, who has not been identified, was working in the French Alps resort of Meribel when the incident took place on Wednesday afternoon.

French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere reported emergency services were called following reports of a snowboarder falling off-piste.

"The man is believed to have died by asphyxiation, not being able to release himself after having fallen head first into the snow," the paper said.

An investigation has been launched.