RATSCHINGS, Italy — An avalanche in high alpine terrain in South Tyrol on Saturday killed two skiers and injured several others, according to Italy’s mountain rescue service.
The slide occurred at about 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) on the slopes of Hohe Ferse, also known as Monte Tallone Grande, near the town of Ratschings close to the Austrian border.
Rescue officials said 25 skiers were caught in the avalanche. Two people were killed, three were seriously injured and two others suffered minor injuries.
The avalanche struck at about 11:40 a.m. local time. The rescue effort involved six helicopters and about 80 personnel, including teams from the CNSAS mountain rescue service, the Alpine Association, police and firefighters.
This winter has seen an unusually high number of avalanche deaths across Europe. European Avalanche Warning Services reports fatalities average about 100 per season, but 127 deaths had been recorded as of March 16, including 33 in Italy, 31 in France and 29 in Austria.
Experts have attributed the increase in accidents to an unstable snowpack and more skiers venturing onto off-piste terrain after heavy snowfall. Climate specialists also point to rising temperatures and stronger winds as factors contributing to snow instability.
