March 21, 2026, 4:10 p.mMarch 21, 2026, 4:10 p.m
At least two skiers have died in an avalanche accident in South Tyrol. According to the Italian mountain rescue service, a group of around ten ski tourers were caught in the masses of snow on the 2,669 meter high Hohe Ferse near Ratschings. For two of them, any help came too late. At least one other skier had to be flown to hospital with serious injuries. A missing person is still being searched for.
The rescue workers say they are using several helicopters. According to initial information, the accident occurred around midday in high alpine terrain at an altitude of around 2,300 meters. The authorities initially did not provide any further information about the identity of the victims.
There have already been several avalanche accidents with deaths and injuries in the Italian Alps this winter. According to the mountain rescue service, several hospitals in the area were put on alert, including the clinic in Innsbruck, Austria.
An unusually large number of avalanches this winter
This means that at least 127 people have died in avalanches in Europe’s mountains this winter season since the beginning of October. The highest number of avalanche deaths was recorded in Italy, now at 34, followed by France (31) and Austria (29). This emerges from the current figures and an overview from the European Avalanche Warning Service (EAWS), an association of avalanche warning services. There have been no fatalities in Germany so far.
Experts cite climate change as one of the reasons. Accordingly, the traditional seasonal rhythms change due to higher temperatures, which is why the snow is no longer as solid. There are also stronger winds, so dangerous “drift snow” is accumulating, they say. Regions in Italy, in the southern part of the Alps, are particularly affected. In addition, ski tours and descents outside the groomed slopes have been becoming more popular for some time. (sda/dpa)