Fatal Avalanches Strike Italian Ski Regions Amid Winter Games

On February 7, 2026, three off-piste skiers were killed in separate avalanche incidents in the Italian regions of Trentino Alto Adige and Lombardy, coinciding with the ongoing Milano Cortina Winter Games. The Alpine rescue service reported that two avalanches occurred in the Marmolada area of the Dolomites, near Cortina d'Ampezzo, where women's Alpine skiing competitions are being held. A man skiing at Punta Rocca, a peak reaching 3,300 meters, was buried by an avalanche he triggered while skiing off-piste. His companions attempted a rescue before professional help arrived. In a separate incident in Albosaggia, two additional skiers lost their lives, with reports of a potential fourth victim in Trentino Alto Adige, where a man injured in a previous avalanche succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

UsNews and World ReportThe Straits Times2 Finnish Freeriders Killed in Avalanche at Sulden, South Tyrol, Italy

The recent fatalities follow a series of avalanche incidents in the region, including the deaths of two Finnish skiers in an avalanche on February 5 in Sulden, South Tyrol. These skiers were also off-piste when the avalanche struck. The Italian snow and avalanche risks association, AINEVA, has warned of heightened avalanche risks due to heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack conditions. The organization indicated that fresh snow combined with moderate winds has created dangerous slabs of snow that can easily be dislodged.

2 Finnish Freeriders Killed in Avalanche at Sulden, South Tyrol, ItalyThe Straits TimesUsNews and World Report

Authorities have emphasized the need for caution among skiers and freeriders, urging them to carry avalanche safety equipment and avoid high-risk slopes. While skiing off-piste is not illegal in Italy, it is subject to legal consequences, as unmarked slopes are not monitored for avalanche risks. AINEVA has flagged a marked risk of avalanches for February 8, advising skiers to remain vigilant.

2 Finnish Freeriders Killed in Avalanche at Sulden, South Tyrol, ItalyUsNews and World ReportThe Straits Times

Skiing experts and safety advocates have criticized the lack of adequate avalanche control measures on unmarked slopes. They argue that the absence of regulation increases the danger for off-piste skiers, especially during periods of heavy snowfall. The ongoing fatalities have raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for winter sports enthusiasts in the region.

2 Finnish Freeriders Killed in Avalanche at Sulden, South Tyrol, Italy

While the Alpine rescue service confirmed three fatalities, local media have reported a potential fourth victim, highlighting discrepancies in casualty reports. Additionally, the exact number of skiers involved in the incidents remains unclear, as initial reports vary.

2 Finnish Freeriders Killed in Avalanche at Sulden, South Tyrol, Italy

• “The fresh snow and moderate winds have created slabs of wind-drifted snow that could be dislodged by the passage of just one winter sports enthusiast, AINEVA said on its website.” — AINEVA, Italy's snow and avalanche risks association.

The Straits Times

• “Authorities urged all skiers and freeriders to exercise extreme caution, carry avalanche safety equipment, and avoid high-risk slopes, particularly when traveling alone or off marked trails.” — Alpine rescue service statement.

2 Finnish Freeriders Killed in Avalanche at Sulden, South Tyrol, Italy