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Deadly Avalanche Strikes Italian Alps, Two Skiers Killed
15 Feb
Summary
- Two skiers died in an off-trail avalanche on Italy's Mont Blanc massif.
- One skier survived the avalanche after being buried in snow.
- Search and rescue involved 15 rescuers, three canine units, and two helicopters.
Two skiers have tragically died following an off-trail avalanche on the Mont Blanc massif in Italy, near the borders with France and Switzerland. A third skier, who was also caught in the avalanche, narrowly survived after being buried in the snow. The incident occurred on Sunday morning in the Couloir Vesses, a known freeride route in Courmayeur.
Rescue operations were extensive, involving fifteen rescuers, three canine units, and two helicopters. Despite these efforts, one victim succumbed to their injuries after being transported to a hospital in serious condition. The accident underscores the dangerous conditions prevalent in the Alps.
Fresh snowfall combined with wind-swept snow on weak internal layers has created exceptionally hazardous conditions throughout the Alpine crescent. This latest tragedy follows a series of deadly avalanches in the region, including recent incidents in the French Alps where two Britons were among three people killed near Val d'Isere. Red alerts were issued across the Alps, leading to the closure of some ski resorts due to the heightened risk of snowslides.
