Avalanche in Northern Italy Claims Two Lives, Highlighting Dangerous Season for Skiers
Ratschings, Italy – Two skiers were killed and five others injured Saturday when an avalanche swept down a slope in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, near the Austrian border. The incident, which occurred on the slopes of Hohe Ferse (Monte Tallone Grande), underscores a particularly deadly season for skiers across the European Alps.
The avalanche struck a busy high alpine slope at an altitude of around 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), according to Italy’s mountain rescue service. In total, 25 skiers were caught in the slide, which had a 150-meter front and stretched for several hundred meters.
While most of those caught were reportedly only grazed by the snow, three individuals sustained serious injuries and two suffered minor wounds in addition to the two fatalities. Rescue efforts involved six helicopters, approximately 80 rescue personnel from various agencies including the CNSAS, Alpine Association, police, firefighters, and specialized sniffer dogs.
This latest tragedy comes as the European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS) reports an unusually high number of avalanches and fatalities this season. As of March 16th, 127 people have died in avalanche incidents across the continent, significantly exceeding the annual average of 100. Italy has seen 33 deaths, France 31, and Austria 29. Earlier this February, a record 13 people died on Italian slopes within a single week.
Experts attribute the increased risk to an exceptionally unstable snowpack combined with a surge in skiers venturing onto off-piste slopes following recent heavy snowfall. Rising temperatures and stronger winds, factors increasingly linked to climate change, are also believed to be contributing to the dangerous conditions.
The avalanche danger in the Ridanna Valley, where Saturday’s incident occurred, is currently assessed as moderate. However, authorities continue to urge caution and adherence to safety guidelines for anyone skiing or snowboarding in alpine environments.
This incident follows the recent deaths of two British skiers in an avalanche in France last month, further highlighting the perilous conditions facing winter sports enthusiasts across the Alps.
