Overview
- The avalanche struck two German parties on the north-face couloir of Cima Vertana in the Ortles massif in the late afternoon during their ascent with crampons and ice axes.
- Three climbers from one rope team were found dead and brought to the valley, while two members of a second team of four remain unaccounted for.
- The Solda mountain-rescue station is leading the response with support from Guardia di Finanza rescuers, Pelikan air ambulances, drones and local volunteer firefighters.
- Search efforts were halted after dark for safety reasons and are scheduled to resume at first light.
- Rescue officials cite a newly formed slab from recent snowfall, the climbers’ passage and a sudden rise in wind on the steep couloir as likely contributors, and authorities are proceeding with formal identification of the victims.