Europe's Deadly Winter: Avalanche Toll Soars

Europe is experiencing a particularly deadly winter season, with avalanches claiming at least 99 lives since October 2025, primarily in the Alps. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years. The dangerous conditions are attributed to a unique combination of fragile snow layers, formed during a dry November, which become unstable when covered by several meters of fresh snow.

This increased risk has been amplified by a weather pattern featuring an unusual southerly jet stream, dumping heavy precipitation across the continent. These conditions prompted severe avalanche warnings, with some regions reaching level 5. While such events are not entirely extraordinary, occurring roughly every five to 15 years, their frequency and intensity are being closely monitored.

Experts note that the rise in backcountry skiing, while often associated with better education and equipment, still presents significant risks, particularly for tourists less inclined to heed warnings. The fluctuating snowpack due to changing climate patterns may also play a role, though a direct link is difficult to establish. Conditions are expected to improve as snow stabilizes, though some areas may remain hazardous for weeks.