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Europe's Deadliest Ski Season: 86 Avalanche Deaths
21 Feb
Summary
- Avalanches have claimed 86 lives in Europe this winter, marking a record.
- Unusual weather patterns created a dangerous persistent weak layer in snow.
- Increased off-piste skiing popularity significantly raises avalanche triggers.
Europe is experiencing its deadliest ski season ever, with avalanches claiming 86 lives in the first two months of 2026. This severe toll is attributed to a unique combination of weather patterns that created a fragile "persistent weak layer" in the snowpack, topped by a heavy slab. This structure makes the snow highly susceptible to collapse, especially with disturbances.
The popularity of off-piste skiing has surged, leading more individuals to venture into unsecured areas. Their movements often trigger avalanches, contributing significantly to the rising death toll. France has reported the highest number of fatalities with 25, followed by Italy with 21 and Austria with 14.
While climate change is predicted to reduce the overall number of avalanches in the long term, scientists warn that risk might increase. As snow disappears from lower altitudes, skiers are moving to higher elevations where avalanches may become more frequent and involve denser, wetter snow, increasing the likelihood of asphyxia and trauma for victims.
