Snow and ice in the French Alps have left 15,000 vehicles stranded, as drivers struggled to get in and out of ski resorts in the region, according to reports.

The heavy snowfall has also resulted in 2,000 Britons being stranded at Chambéry Airport near the French Alps.

One man is said to have died after his car slid into a ravine in the Belledonne mountain range.

The country declared an orange weather alert - its second-highest - as local authorities tried to accommodate motorists for the night, with emergency overnight centres being set up to shelter trapped tourists.

Drivers have been warned to “exercise the utmost caution” and avoid travel if possible.