A massive avalanche ripped down the face of the Sassolungo at Val Gardena in Italy on Wednesday, March 19, threatening the area below. Fortunately the slide itself didn’t hit the main ski slope, but a large gust of snow blasted the nearby chairlift.
According to local newspaper Alto Adige, no injuries were reported and a response from Alpine Rescue was not necessary. Avalanches like this frequently release from the Sassolungo and although spectacular, they often do not raise alarm.
While this avalanche did not bury any guests, skiers in the Dolomites should be aware the area is currently experiencing a heavy temperature fluctuation between the day and night. The temperatures, mixed with with snowfalls of last weekend, create dangerous avalanche conditions. Off-piste skiers and mountaineers are encouraged to use maximum caution.
Val Gardena is one of several ski areas that make up the massive Dolomiti Superski, the largest ski destination in the world. With one pass, skiers can access 450 lifts and hundreds of miles of slopes.
