A devastating avalanche struck Cima Vertana in the Ortler Alps, Italy, on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of five German climbers, including a 17-year-old girl and her father. The incident occurred around 16:00 local time when the climbers, divided into separate groups, were ascending the 3,545-meter peak. According to Italy’s Alpine rescue service, Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico, a group of three individuals was completely engulfed by the avalanche and perished. The father and daughter were also swept away, and their bodies were recovered on Sunday. Two other climbers from a separate group survived and raised the alarm, initiating the rescue operation. Olaf Reinstadler, a spokesperson for the Sulden Mountain Rescue Service, suggested that recent snow drifts that failed to bond with the underlying ice might have triggered the avalanche. He noted that while climbing tours are popular and the weather conditions were favorable, the climbers’ late afternoon ascent raised concerns, as the descent would have extended into nightfall. Rescue efforts were initially hampered by fog and low visibility, preventing helicopters from taking off at dawn. However, once conditions improved, rescuers and avalanche dog units were airlifted to 2,600 meters before proceeding on foot. By late morning, the bodies of the missing father and daughter were located. The incident underscores the inherent risks of mountaineering, even under seemingly favorable conditions.