Rescuers were searching for anyone trapped beneath the 100 metre wide snowslide, which hit an off-piste slope known as Toviere.
The alarm was raised by staff at the resort who saw the snow barrel down the mountain at 9.35am, Sky News reported.
Around 100 rescuers were joined by volunteers as well as helicopters, diggers and sniffer dogs searching for survivors.
The victims, who were all French, are understood to include three members of the same family - a 48-year-old father, his 15-year-old son and a 19-year-old half-brother. Their 49-year-old instructor was also killed.
The avalanche was reportedly set off by another group of skiers higher up on the slopes.
Update: Three members of same family killed in Tignes avalanche
Register for free to continue reading
Get unlimited access to the latest travel industry news and analysis, comment on articles and sign up to newsletters.
Register for free
Already registered? Login here or below.
Having difficulty logging in? Try these tips, or contact support@flymy.co.uk
