Brit skier, 23, is found dead beneath French Alps cliff 'after fatal fall while returning from night out'

A British skier was found dead at the bottom of a cliff in the French Alps after reportedly falling from a height while returning from an après ski party in Avoriaz.

The 23-year-old, who has not been publicly named, was found on Monday morning in the popular resort above the town of Morzine, France.

It is believed that he had been skiing with friends before attending a party in Avoriaz, and then became lost when trying to ski down the mountain alone.

Friends reported his disappearance when he did not return home, prompting a desperate search by rescue teams.

Local authorities have opened an inquiry to determine the cause of death, a police source told The Sun.

He had reportedly been partying at the La Folie Douce in Avoriaz before attempting the slopes, the outlet reports. MailOnline approached La Folie Douce for comment.

File photo shows the popular resort of Avoriaz, Morzine in the French Alps

Police believe he became lost on the difficult slopes and took off his skis before the incident.

He was evacuated by helicopter before being declared dead and identified by family, authorities said.

A FCDO spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who died in France and are in contact with the local authorities.’ 

MailOnline contacted the Avoriaz resort for comment. 

Last year, a British skier died in an accident after hitting a tree at the Avoriaz resort.

French media reports at the time suggested that the man left the Covagnes piste after swerving to avoid hitting a group of skiers blocking the way.

But a fellow British skier who witnessed the accident claimed the icy conditions on the route had caused the victim to lose control even before the accident occurred.

The 68-year-old was found unresponsive by rescuers on March 26, and despite their best efforts could not be resuscitated.