A significant avalanche incident unfolded on the Stubai Glacier in Austria’s Tyrol region on Thursday morning, resulting in multiple winter sports enthusiasts being buried under snow. Austrian emergency services launched an extensive rescue mission involving approximately 250 personnel, specialized avalanche rescue dogs, and helicopter teams.
According to the Austria Press Agency (APA), nine individuals were successfully extracted alive from the snow masses. Three of the rescued skiers sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention and were subsequently airlifted to nearby hospitals. The severity of their injuries remained unspecified as medical evaluations continued.
The avalanche originated in the notoriously hazardous Daunscharte pass area, located beyond the boundaries of secured ski runs. The snowslide’s impact extended to lower sections of designated pistes, necessitating immediate closure of affected slopes for safety reasons.
As midday approached, search and rescue operations persisted with undiminished intensity. Authorities maintained uncertainty regarding whether additional victims might remain trapped beneath the snow accumulation. The emergency response coordinated multiple agencies in a race against time and challenging alpine conditions.
The incident highlights the persistent dangers of backcountry skiing in unsecured glacial areas, particularly during early season conditions when snow stability remains unpredictable. Austrian alpine safety organizations reiterated warnings about venturing beyond marked ski areas without professional guidance and proper safety equipment.