Two skiers tragically lost their lives due to a large avalanche in northern Italy. The incident, reported by the country’s mountain rescue service, occurred on a busy high alpine slope. Three other skiers sustained serious injuries, while two others suffered minor injuries.
Avalanche Details
The avalanche struck at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) on the Hohe Ferse mountain, also known as Monte Tallone Grande. This mountain is located near the town of Ratschings, close to the Austrian border.
Number of Skiers Impacted
- A total of 25 skiers were caught in the avalanche.
- Three skiers were seriously injured.
- Two sustained minor injuries.
The rescue service, CNSAS, has not indicated whether the remaining 18 skiers were trapped or successfully rescued. However, reports suggest that most of these individuals were only grazed by the snow rather than engulfed.
Rescue Operations
A significant rescue operation was launched following the incident. Approximately 80 rescue staff came from various organizations, including CNSAS, the Alpine Association, police, and firefighters. Six helicopters and sniffer dogs were also deployed to assist in the operation.
Avalanche Statistics
The avalanche had a notable 150-meter front and extended several hundred meters in length. This incident adds to the unusually high number of avalanches reported this season in Europe, according to the European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS).
- 127 avalanche-related fatalities reported by March 16, including:
- 33 in Italy
- 31 in France
- 29 in Austria
This figure is significantly higher than the annual average of 100 fatalities. In early February, Italy witnessed a record of 13 avalanche-related deaths within a week. Recent heavy snowstorms have led to an influx of skiers on off-piste slopes, contributing to the high number of casualties.
Contributing Factors
Experts cite an unstable snowpack as a primary cause of the avalanche danger. Additionally, rising temperatures and strong winds, attributed to climate change, have exacerbated conditions on the slopes.
Currently, the avalanche risk in the Ridanna Valley, where this tragic event occurred, is rated as moderate.
