VIENNA, Austria — At least five people have died in a series of avalanches across western Austria, authorities confirmed Saturday, as heavy snowfall and strong winds continue to pose a significant risk in the region’s mountainous terrain.
The Tyrol region government reported that up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) of snow has accumulated over the past week, creating unstable conditions. Tyrol police stated that five off-piste skiers were caught in an avalanche approximately 450 meters (490 yards) wide on Friday afternoon in the St. Anton am Arlberg area, at an elevation of around 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). Among the deceased were an American and a Polish national. A 21-year-traditional Austrian too died after being transported to a hospital for treatment, according to police.
A separate incident on Friday morning in the Nauders-Bergkastel resort resulted in the death of a 42-year-old German man. His 16-year-old son survived with injuries and was able to call for help. Further south, in the Vorarlberg region, a 39-year-old Swiss snowboarder was killed in an avalanche while skiing off-piste near Klösterle, regional police reported.
Tyrol Governor Anton Mattle issued a statement emphasizing the dangers of venturing off-piste during the current conditions. “The recent snowfall is currently drawing many people to the mountains – even off-piste,” he said. “It is painful that we have already had to record several avalanches with injuries and fatalities.”
Authorities reported nearly three dozen avalanche incidents on Friday alone, adding to a total of over 200 such events in the last week. According to the governor’s office, eleven people have died in avalanches in Austria this month. This follows a previous series of avalanches last month that claimed the lives of eight skiers.
The avalanche risk remains high in parts of Tyrol, with authorities warning that avalanches are likely to occur. The region office indicated that turbulent weather conditions are expected to continue on Sunday, offering no immediate respite. As of Saturday, at least 21 avalanche-related deaths have been recorded in Austria this winter, according to the BBC.
Rescue operations have involved dozens of mountain-rescue team members, ambulance and fire department personnel and multiple dog squads. The BBC reported that a 53-year-old man also died on Friday after being struck by a snow plough in Linz, though this incident is separate from the avalanche deaths.
