AFP archive photo | Rescuers from a previous avalanche at the resort of Tignes in the French alps.

French officials say a rescue operation has ended without casualties after an avalanche engulfed skiers in the French Alps resort town of Tignes.

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A police spokesman quoted by local newspaper Le Dauphine said that several people were buried by the avalanche, which came down on a busy ski slope.

Rescue workers and sniffer dogs were briefly deployed but there were no fatalities, authorities said.

"Several skiers have been shaken up and taken care of by resort personnel. Emergency staff were deployed immediately. After the search operations, there are no victims to report," a statement from the resort said.

Tuesday's avalanche risk, normally assessed only for off-piste and closed slopes, was rated at four on a scale of five. At level five all slopes are closed.

Four snowboarders died last month in Tignes in another avalanche near the resort.

(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP and REUTERS)

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