In recent days, the safety situation in the ski areas of the Alps and the Caucasus has worsened drastically. In Austria and Switzerland, several fatal avalanches occurred, triggering a large-scale rescue operation.
Fatal Accidents in Austria and Switzerland
A total of eight people lost their lives in the Austrian federal states of Salzburg and Styria. In Salzburg's Pongau region, two serious accidents happened: On the Finsterkopf in the Gro zl Valley, seven ski tourers were buried, of whom four could only be recovered dead. Near Bad Hofgastein, a woman died under the masses of snow. In the Styrian municipality of Pusterwald, all help came too late for three Czech ski tourers after they were caught by an avalanche.
One fatality was also reported in Switzerland. A German skier died on the Piz Badus in the canton of Graub cnden after being buried as part of a seven-person group. Four other members of the group suffered minor to moderate injuries.
Injuries During Ski and Mountain Tours
In addition to the avalanche victims, other serious accidents occurred. In Dam cels, Vorarlberg, a 21-year-old snowboarder fell in the off-piste area and sustained serious head injuries. He was flown to a hospital unconscious. At the H cahlekopf in Bezau, an experienced German ski tourer had an accident during a guided descent in slush snow and had to be rescued by helicopter due to a hand injury.
Avalanche Drama in Dombai, Russia
In the Russian ski resort of Dombai, a huge avalanche rushed towards a hotel. According to reports, those present were able to get to safety in time, so in this case, only property damage remained. The authorities in all affected regions continue to warn against the unstable snowpack and urge extreme caution off the secured slopes.
