A FATHER and his teen daughter are among five mountaineers killed by an avalanche in Italy’s Dolomite mountains.
The victims – all German – were climbing Cima Vertana when the devastating snow slide wiped them out on Saturday afternoon.
A group of three was “fully swept away by the avalanche” and all died, with their bodies found on Saturday, according to Italy’s Alpine rescue service.
The Alpine rescue service said that due to fog and low visibility, helicopters could not take off at first light on Sunday.
Once conditions improved, however, rescuers and avalanche dog units were airlifted up into the mountains before setting out on foot.
By late morning on Sunday, the bodies of the two missing mountaineers – the father and daughter – were found.
Rescue spokesman Federico Catania said of them: “They had been dragged to the lower part of the gully where the avalanche occurred.
“Rescue teams are now returning to the valley, also considering the worsening weather conditions at high altitude.
Two men from a third party survived a run-in with the avalanche and were taken by helicopter to a hospital in the nearby city of Bolzano.
The avalanche struck at around 4pm and at an altitude of more than 11,500ft.
Rescuers said they had not established why the groups were still ascending at this late hour.
They believe the three affected groups were climbing independently of each other.
South Tyrol is a popular region for mountaineering among tourists from Germany.
The region’s highest peak is Ortles, which rises to 3,905 meters.
Avalanche accidents are a persistent issue in the Italian Alps, with the country registering one of the higher 10-year average annual death tolls among major ski nations.
Victims are frequently ski mountaineers or freeriders.
Some analysis suggests that the number of accidents has increased in recent years – possibly due to more people heading to backcountry areas immediately after fresh snowfall
What avalanche forecast centers could climbers have consulted before thier ascent?
Tragic Avalanche Claims lives of Five Climbers, Including a father and His 17-Year-Old Daughter, in the Italian Dolomites
the Incident and Initial Reports
On November 3, 2025, a devastating avalanche struck a climbing group in the italian Dolomites, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives. Among the victims were a father and his 17-year-old daughter, adding a especially heartbreaking dimension to the disaster. The avalanche occurred near the Brenta Dolomites,a popular destination for mountaineering and winter sports. Initial reports indicate the group was attempting a challenging ascent when the snow slab released. Rescue teams, including alpine rescue specialists and helicopter crews, were immediately dispatched to the scene.The area is known for its complex terrain and unpredictable snow conditions, making rescue operations exceptionally arduous.
location and Terrain: Understanding the risks in the Dolomites
The Brenta Dolomites, part of the larger Dolomite range, are renowned for their dramatic peaks and challenging climbing routes. This specific area is characterized by:
* Steep slopes: Contributing to the potential for large, destructive avalanches.
* Complex snowpack: Layers of snow with varying densities and weaknesses, creating unstable conditions.
* North-Facing Aspects: These slopes receive less sunlight, leading to colder temperatures and a greater likelihood of persistent weak layers in the snowpack.
* Popular Climbing Destination: Attracting climbers of all skill levels, increasing the risk of incidents.
The Dolomites, as a whole, present unique avalanche risks. Understanding these risks is crucial for anyone venturing into the mountains during winter. Resources like Dolomites.org provide valuable information on the region and its conditions.
Avalanche Conditions and Contributing Factors
While a full investigation is underway, preliminary assessments point to a combination of factors contributing to the avalanche:
* Recent Snowfall: Meaningful snowfall in the days leading up to the incident increased the snowpack load.
* Warm Temperatures: A slight warming trend may have weakened certain layers within the snowpack.
* Wind Loading: Wind transported snow onto leeward slopes, creating unstable slabs.
* Human Factor: the possibility of the climbers inadvertently triggering the avalanche cannot be ruled out, though this remains under investigation.
Avalanche bulletins, issued daily by regional authorities, provide critical information on snowpack stability and avalanche risk levels. These bulletins are essential for informed decision-making in the mountains.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
the rescue operation faced significant challenges due to:
- Remote Location: The avalanche site was in a remote and difficult-to-access area.
- Avalanche Debris Field: The vast area covered by the avalanche debris intricate the search for victims.
- Ongoing Avalanche Risk: the continued risk of further avalanches posed a danger to rescue personnel.
- Weather Conditions: Unfavorable weather conditions, including low visibility and continued snowfall, hampered rescue efforts.
despite these obstacles, rescue teams worked tirelessly, utilizing specialized equipment such as avalanche transceivers, probes, and rescue dogs. Sadly, all five climbers were confirmed deceased at the scene.
Victim Profiles and Community Impact
The victims included experienced climbers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of mountain environments. The loss of a father and daughter has deeply impacted the climbing community and beyond.Local communities in the dolomites are known for their strong mountaineering traditions, and this tragedy has been felt acutely. Grief counseling and support services are being offered to families and friends of the victims.
Avalanche Safety: Best Practices for mountaineers
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of avalanche safety. Here are crucial steps mountaineers should take:
* check the Avalanche Forecast: Always consult the local avalanche bulletin before venturing into the backcountry.
* Carry Avalanche Safety Gear: This includes an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel, and know how to use them.
* Travel with Experienced Partners: Climb with individuals who have avalanche training and experience.
* Assess Snowpack Stability: Learn to recognize signs of instability, such as cracking or collapsing snow.
* Make Conservative Decisions: If conditions are uncertain, choose a safer route or postpone your climb.
* Take an Avalanche Safety Course: Formal training is essential for developing the knowledge and skills needed to navigate avalanche terrain safely.
* Understand terrain: Recognize avalanche-prone slopes and avoid them whenever possible.
Case Study: Similar Incidents in the Dolomites
The Dolomites have experienced several tragic avalanche incidents in recent years. In 2016,a large avalanche near the Marmolada glacier claimed the lives of several skiers. these incidents underscore the inherent risks associated with mountaineering in the region and the need for constant vigilance. analyzing past incidents can provide valuable lessons for improving avalanche safety practices.
Resources for Avalanche Information and Safety
* Local Avalanche Forecast Centers: Provide daily updates on snowpack conditions and avalanche risk.
* International Commission for Snow and Ice Hydrology (ICSIH): Offers resources and information on avalanche safety.
* American Avalanche Association (AAA): Provides avalanche education and training programs.
* European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS): A network of avalanche warning services across Europe.
