Five German Ski Mountaineers Die in Avalanche in Italy
The avalanche happened near the Fertains Spitze peak, 3,345m as both groups were hit.
All three people in one group died as they were swept down the mountain.
They have been identified as 30-year-old man and woman, and a 50-year-old man.
There were four in the other group – a father and daughter died.
The condition of the surviving two others has not been released.
The bodies of the three people climbing together were recovered on Saturday before rescue efforts were called off due to safety conditions.
There was low visibility at dawn on Sunday so rescue helicopters were unable to takeoff.
Once conditions improved rescuers and avalanche dog units were airlifted to 2,600m before setting out on foot.
By late morning on Sunday the bodies of the two missing people – the father and daughter – were found.
The Solda Mountain Rescue Station with the support of neighboring Alpine Rescue Stations, the Guardia di Finanza mountain rescue service, the helicopter rescue service, and the valley firefighters were involved in the operation.
It follows heavy snow in the area.
Authorities warned that rising temperatures in the area have made snow conditions unstable, increasing the risk of avalanches.
People are urged to pay close attention to weather and avalanche alerts and to avoid high-risk mountain terrain.
An investigation into the accident is underway.
PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news
Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, sport, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.
The post Five German Ski Mountaineers Die in Avalanche in Italy appeared first on PlanetSKI.
Leave a Reply