An inquest concluded that the death of mother and son in an avalanche was a “tragic accident.”

An investigation revealed that a mother and son who were caught in an avalanche in the French Alps while skiing died in a “tragic accident”.

Katharine Vokes, 54, known as Kate, and her 22-year-old son Archie died on December 28 after an avalanche ripped through an off-piste area in the resort of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains near Mont Blanc.

An inquest into their deaths, held at Manchester South Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, heard that the experienced skiers had been on a family holiday and were familiar with the area.

Coroner’s officer Claire Smith confirmed that they were both carried away by the avalanche and later recovered from the snow.

She said the investigation in France ended without any action being taken.

Senior Coroner for Manchester South Alison Mutch asked: “Is it true that the French authorities believe this was a tragic accident?”

Mrs. Smith replied, “Yes, I understand.”

Ms Mutch said: “It’s very sad and I think it’s a very difficult situation for everyone.”

Concluding the investigation, she said: “It is very clear that the French authorities have investigated the circumstances and everything indicates that no investigation will be carried out in this country.

“From the evidence I have heard, both Katharine Vokes and Archie Vokes were experienced skiers who were hit by an avalanche on the day in question and very sadly lost their lives as a consequence, dying, as we have heard, from asphyxia.”

She recorded conclusions regarding the accidental death of both.

No family members were present at the hearing, which lasted about 10 minutes, but the coroner’s court was told they were satisfied the inquest was taking place in their absence.

Mrs Mutch said: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family of Archie and Katherine Vokes on the loss of two close family members enjoying an activity in which they clearly had great experience and gained a considerable amount of enjoyment from.”

After their deaths, the Bonneville prosecutor’s office said police had opened a manslaughter investigation following reports that cross-country skiers may have triggered the avalanche.

Mrs Vokes was chairwoman of the Oglesby Charitable Trust, a director of their family property company Bruntwood, vice-president of the Royal Exchange Theater and a trustee of the Shared Health Foundation and Focused Care charities.

Mr Vokes was a personal trainer at Form in Manchester and last year qualified as a Level 1 ski instructor in Canada.

Shortly after their deaths, a family spokesman said: “We are extremely devastated by the loss of our beloved, wonderful Kate and Archie.

“Words cannot express how terrible we all feel or what a huge hole this tragic accident has left in our lives.”