A devastating avalanche struck the high alpine region of Italy’s South Tyrol on Saturday, resulting in multiple casualties among backcountry skiers. The incident occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. local time on the slopes of the 2,669-meter Hohe Ferse (Monte Tallone Grande) near Ratschings, close to the Austrian border.
According to the CNSAS mountain rescue service’s Bolzano emergency center, the avalanche at 2,400 meters altitude engulfed 25 skiers in its path. The tragic event claimed two lives while leaving three individuals with serious injuries and two with minor wounds. Emergency response teams mobilized an extensive rescue operation involving six helicopters and approximately 80 personnel from multiple agencies including CNSAS, the Alpine Association, police, and firefighters.
This incident contributes to an alarming trend across European alpine regions during the current season. Official data from European Avalanche Warning Services indicates this winter has surpassed average fatality rates, with 127 recorded avalanche deaths as of March 16—significantly exceeding the seasonal average of 100 fatalities. Italy has reported 33 deaths, followed by France with 31 and Austria with 29.
The tragedy echoes a similar pattern observed in early February during Italy’s Winter Olympics hosting period, when a record 13 skiers perished within a single week, including 10 avalanche-related deaths. Mountain safety experts attribute the increased danger to unusually unstable snowpack conditions and heightened enthusiasm among skiers seeking fresh powder on off-piste terrain following recent heavy snowfall. Climate specialists further suggest that rising temperatures and intensified wind patterns are contributing factors to the deteriorating snow stability in alpine environments.