Tragic Avalanche Incidents in the Austrian Alps Claim Lives of Five Skiers

Sun Jan 18 2026 01:23:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Five off-piste skiers have lost their lives in two separate avalanche incidents in Austria's Alps, after heavy snowfall exacerbated already dangerous conditions. Rescue services have reported multiple fatalities across the region over recent days.

In a tragic series of events in the Austrian Alps, five off-piste skiers were killed due to avalanches triggered by heavy snowfall. The first incident resulted in four deaths in the Pongau area near Salzburg, followed by another avalanche claiming a skier's life earlier that day. Rescue officials urge caution as conditions remain perilous, with earlier similar incidents resulting in multiple deaths across the Alps.

In a tragic turn of events, five off-piste skiers have perished in the Austrian Alps, following two separate avalanches triggered by significant snowfall. The incidents occurred in the Pongau region, near Salzburg, highlighting the dangerous conditions impacting the area.

Mountain rescue officials reported that one avalanche struck a group of seven skiers, resulting in four fatalities and serious injuries to one individual. Earlier in the day, a separate avalanche swept away another skier in the same vicinity.

Rescue teams received alerts regarding the events around 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT). Despite the efforts, four skiers were confirmed dead, while another suffered severe injuries following the avalanche incidents.

District head of the Pongau mountain rescue service, Gerhard Kremser, expressed deep condolences to the victims' families, noting that this tragedy underscores the seriousness of the current avalanche risk. Rescue officials also reported that additional avalanche occurrences were noted in the area, but thankfully resulted in no further injuries.

Regrettably, the recent weeks have seen multiple similar fatalities in the Alps, including a 13-year-old boy in Bad Gastein and a 58-year-old skier in Tyrolean resort of Weerberg. In neighboring Switzerland, a German individual died in an avalanche, while four others sustained injuries.

This string of fatal incidents serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with skiing in off-piste areas, especially during times of heavy snowfall. Authorities continue to advise skiers to exercise extreme caution and stay informed about current conditions.