TRIBUTES TO BRITISH SKI INSTRUCTOR WHO DIED ON THE SLOPES

21st January 2020

Last modified on May 16th, 2021

John Arnold, a long-standing and popular member of a UK ski club, was found dead after apparently veering off a ski run in the Italian resort of Champoluc. Those who knew him have been paying tribute. UPDATED

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The 79-year-old was President of the Midland Ski Club, based in Birmingham, and was on a club trip to the Aosta Valley.

According to newspaper reports, Mr Arnold was found in trees off the side an easy blue run on Sunday by piste patrollers coming down at the end of the ski day.

They are reported to have spotted his bright skiing outfit.

The Times says an official who helped recover the body believes Mr Arnold may have been taken ill.

“He either suffered a stroke or heart attack which caused him to lose control and leave the slope, or was fatally injured when he hit a tree,” the official said.

“The results of the post mortem are not back yet, but there was no sign of injuries to his body,” he added.

John Arnold had many friends and fans.

“A wonderful man, who loved his club and the sport so much and gave of his time to make it possible for others. We will miss you John Arnold,” said David Francis.

“A good friend and skiing buddy, also a brilliant wit, keen cricketer and golfer and a long-term officer of the Midland Ski Club. He will be missed,” said Alan Parkin.

You can read some of the many tributes posted on social media at the end of this article.

Mr Arnold is reported to have travelled to the Aosta Valley with a group of British skiers who booked with Inghams.

He was a stalwart of the Midland Ski Club, which is based at the Ackers Adventure dry slope in Birmingham.

It is one of the longest-established ski clubs in Britain.

In 2015 it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

It provides coaching, holidays, racing and social events.

John Arnold joined the club more than 40 years ago, held several posts on the committee and for many years arranged the annual club holiday to the Alps.

He qualified as a ski instructor in 1984.

He was highly regarded as both an instructor and a man, as is clear from the many tributes posted on the PlanetSKI Facebook page.