Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Eight Rescued After Large Avalanche Reaches Piste at Stubaier Gletscher

Authorities warn of persistent person-triggered slab danger due to recent snowfall on weak layers.

Overview

  • The slide released above the Daunscharte around 9:30 a.m. and sent debris onto piste 9, with the affected section closed afterward.
  • All eight buried or partly buried skiers — including five Germans — were found alive; four sustained minor injuries and two were airlifted to hospital.
  • More than 250 responders, including about 90 German Bundeswehr soldiers and teams from Czech and Polish mountain rescue, used helicopters, dogs and an electronic probe overflight to conclude the search by afternoon.
  • Officials say the avalanche was likely triggered by skiers traveling off marked runs in free terrain above the piste.
  • Regional avalanche services cite wind-drifted new snow over weak layers and urge heightened caution in steep alpine terrain.