The weekend of February 4th, 2023, brought tragic news for ski enthusiasts in Austria and Switzerland. Avalanches in the Alps have resulted in the deaths of eight people, with several others still missing. The avalanches occurred in popular ski areas, hitting skiers and snowshoers alike.
According to reports, five individuals lost their lives in Austria, while another three were killed in Switzerland. The avalanches were caused by heavy snowfall combined with high winds and warming temperatures, making conditions ripe for slides. In Austria, the avalanche occurred in the Lech am Arlberg ski resort and in the Swiss canton of Valais.
One of the victims was a Kiwi teenager who was caught in the avalanche in Austria. The victim’s family has been notified, and the New Zealand embassy in Berlin is providing consular assistance.
The Swiss canton of Valais is a popular destination for ski tourism and has already seen several avalanches this winter. The area has been put on high alert, and authorities are warning people to exercise caution when venturing into the backcountry.
In Austria, the Lech am Arlberg ski resort is one of the country’s most famous ski destinations and attracts a large number of tourists every year. The resort was forced to close for the day following the avalanche as rescue teams searched for any survivors.
Avalanches are a common occurrence in the alps during the winter months, and authorities are reminding people to take necessary precautions when skiing or snowshoeing in the backcountry. It is advised to check the latest weather and snow conditions and to always carry appropriate equipment, such as a shovel and a transceiver, in case of an emergency.
This weekend’s avalanches serve as a reminder of the dangers present in the mountains and the need to take extra precautions. Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims and to those who are still missing.