THE father of an Oxford student who died during a university ski trip in France has paid tribute to his son. 

Matt Smith, an undergraduate history student at St John's College, Oxford, was found by friends in accommodation in Val Thorens resort in the Alps on Sunday morning, local reports said.

Reports said after the alarm was raised at 8am local time, emergency workers attempted to revive him from cardio-respiratory arrest, but were unsuccessful.

Did you know Matt? Get in touch with your tributes 

The 22-year-old was the college's rep for the Varsity Trip this year.

His father, Howard Smith, a City financial consultant, told the Evening Standard he was still trying to come to terms his son’s sudden death and would be flying out to France. 

He told the Standard: “The most important thing for us is that Matt was with his friends. His friends meant so much to him. He was with everybody skiing, close to the snow, doing what he loved.” 

Thousands of students from Oxford and Cambridge universities attend the popular annual week-long Varsity ski trip, which dates back to 1921.

Mr Smith’s friends described him as a “smashing lad” who was full of “fun and adventure”. 

Childhood friend Tom Hoskin wrote on Facebook: “From spending every day of summer crashing at yours or going on every ski trip together since we were 10.

“You were my very first best friend and I will always cherish every memory from our childhood. Rest in peace brother.”

Sharry Hoskin added: "So sad he was an absolutely smashing lad. So full of fun and adventure. I'm totally shocked and saddened upon hearing this tragic news."

Nuco Travel, which runs the week-long Varsity trip, told Cambridge University news site Varsity: "Sadly one of our passengers passed away on Sunday December 4 2016.

"At this time, to respect their family's and friends' privacy, we will not be commenting further."

Friend Glenn Tamkin wrote: "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose - I love you so much man." 

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who died in France on December 4. We are in contact with the local authorities."

A spokesman for St John’s College said: "We would like to express our deep sadness at the tragic death of Matt Smith, and send our condolences to his family and friends.

"While we await the findings of the official investigation we are offering support to students who may have been affected.

"Members of the college were invited to gather yesterday to remember Matt, and any member of the college who is particularly affected by this sad news was encouraged to contact the Chaplain or any member of the welfare team."