Three Czech skiers were killed by an avalanche in central Austria, police reported, raising the death toll in the Austrian Alps to eight on Saturday alone. A series of avalanches across the Alps has claimed lives since last week following heavy snowfall.
In the Murtal district of Styria province, an avalanche struck a group of seven Czech ski tourers, completely burying three of them. Police stated that emergency responders located and partially dug out the victims, but all three were found dead despite immediate rescue efforts.
Earlier on Saturday, in the Pongau area near Salzburg, an avalanche hit another group of seven off-piste skiers, killing four and seriously injuring one, according to media reports citing rescuers. Another off-piste skier was swept away by a separate avalanche in the same area earlier that day.
Gerhard Kremser, district head of the Pongau mountain rescue service, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting, “Despite clear and repeated warnings, numerous avalanches occurred again today – unfortunately with fatal consequences. This tragedy painfully demonstrates the seriousness of the current avalanche situation.”
Earlier in the week, a 13-year-old Czech skier died in an avalanche while skiing off-piste in Bad Gastein on Tuesday. Last Sunday, a 58-year-old ski tourer was killed in an avalanche in the Tyrolean resort of Weerberg.
In neighboring Switzerland, a German man died and four others were injured in an avalanche while cross-country skiing on Friday. Last weekend in France, six skiers lost their lives in avalanches across various Alpine resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the recent avalanche incidents in the Austrian Alps designed to be clear concise and helpful for everyone from casual skiers to experienced backcountry enthusiasts
General Information The Recent Incidents
Q What happened recently in the Austrian Alps
A A series of avalanches has killed at least eight people This has prompted mountain rescue teams to issue urgent warnings for skiers and snowsports enthusiasts to be extremely cautious
Q Why is this happening now
A The primary cause is a dangerous snowpack structure Recent heavy snowfall has deposited a thick heavy layer on top of a much weaker older snow layer This creates an unstable slab that can easily fracture and slide
Q Are these avalanches happening on marked ski slopes
A Most of the fatal incidents have occurred in unsecured offpiste terrain outside the boundaries of professionally managed ski resorts Avalanche control is conducted on open ski slopes but this does not extend to uncontrolled backcountry areas
Safety Preparedness
Q What is the most important safety rule for skiers right now
A Always check the official avalanche forecast before you go and strictly follow the recommendations If the warning level is high avoid any steep offpiste terrain entirely
Q What essential gear do I need for offpiste skiing
A The absolute minimum is a trio of gear you must know how to use an avalanche transceiver a probe and a shovel Many experts also recommend an avalanche airbag backpack
Q Is taking an avalanche safety course really necessary
A Yes it is essential Knowing how to use your safety gear how to read the terrain and how to make safe route choices are skills that save lives A course is not a guarantee but it dramatically increases your chances
Q Whats a simple tip for choosing a safer route
A Stick to lowerangle slopes and follow ridgelines Avoid steep open bowls gullies and slopes beneath cornices When in doubt turn
