Two skiers died Wednesday after being caught in an avalanche in the Mengusovska Valley of Slovakia’s High Tatras mountains, officials confirmed. The incident underscores the increasing dangers faced by winter sports enthusiasts amid fluctuating weather conditions and a heightened avalanche risk in the region.
The Air Transport Europe (ATE) rescue service responded to a call reporting the avalanche on Wednesday afternoon. A rescue helicopter was dispatched, carrying mountain rescuers to the site near Nižnej Popradskej štrbine. The tragedy highlights the critical role of rapid response teams in the challenging terrain of the High Tatras.
According to ATE, initial reports from witnesses indicated two skiers were involved. One skier was quickly located and dug from the snow, but rescuers were unable to revive him despite immediate resuscitation efforts. A doctor at the scene pronounced the man dead. The second skier remained buried, and a search utilizing an avalanche transceiver led rescuers to his location.
“Unfortunately, the injuries sustained during the fall and subsequent burial were incompatible with life,” ATE stated. A doctor also pronounced the second skier dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Increased Avalanche Danger Prompts Warnings
Authorities are warning visitors to the High Tatras to exercise extreme caution due to the elevated avalanche risk. The ATE is urging anyone venturing into high-altitude terrain to carefully consider the potential hazards, particularly in areas designated as risky. The current warm weather is exacerbating the situation, leading to a deterioration of snowpack stability.
The Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (Horská záchranná služba) has reported multiple large, naturally occurring avalanches in recent days across the High and Western Tatras. They currently assess the avalanche danger level as a 3, indicating a significant risk above the treeline. “In recent days, we have recorded several large, spontaneous avalanches. The situation will worsen due to warming temperatures and sunshine. Further spontaneous avalanches may occur,” the service reported on social media.
Mountain rescuers specifically advise against traveling on slopes with gradients exceeding 30 degrees, and even on slopes below that angle if they are in the potential path of an avalanche. This guidance is crucial for minimizing risk in the current conditions.
Air Transport Europe’s Role in Mountain Rescue
Air Transport Europe (ATE) plays a vital role in emergency medical services in the Poprad region and, particularly, the High Tatras. In 2025, ATE completed over 4,300 rescue flights, demonstrating the frequency and demand for their services. According to ATE’s website, their helicopter emergency medical service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The company has also been involved in other aerial work, including timber harvesting, forest liming, construction, and agricultural applications. ATE is currently exploring expanding its services to include ground-based rescue operations.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with mountain activities, especially during periods of unstable snow conditions. The ongoing warm weather is expected to further destabilize the snowpack, increasing the likelihood of future avalanches.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated information to the public. Anyone planning a trip to the High Tatras is strongly encouraged to check the latest avalanche forecasts and heed all warnings issued by the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service and ATE.
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