Zermatt  - A German skier died in an avalanche near the Swiss city of Zermatt Tuesday, according to local police.

According to the officials, the man was part of a trio. The group apparently started the avalanche themselves in the Tiefenbach area. They were traveling off marked paths, authorities said.

Two English skiers, who were at 2,200-metres elevation along a ski path, were also caught in the avalanche. One was lightly injured. (dpa)