Overview
- The slab avalanche struck Saturday on the north face of Cima Vertana in the Ortles massif, hitting German climbers ascending a steep gully with ice axes and crampons around 3:50 p.m.
- Rescuers recovered the two missing climbers, identified as a father and his 17-year-old daughter, on Sunday morning, bringing the total fatalities to five.
- Operations were led by the Solda mountain rescue with support from Guardia di Finanza alpine units, Pelikan air rescue, drones and local fire brigades, with searches suspended overnight due to darkness and low visibility.
- Authorities said all victims are German nationals, and identification procedures are being handled by the Guardia di Finanza after initial recovery without documents.
- Rescue officials cited recent snow accumulation, sudden wind and movement on the steep route as likely factors in the slide, prompting fresh warnings about early-season avalanche risk.