Story perspectives

13 Dead in Italy Avalanches Amid Unstable Snowpack

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

In Italy, 13 backcountry skiers, climbers, and hikers have died in avalanches in the week due to unstable snowpack on slopes away from monitored Olympic sites.
Rescuers noted that recent snowstorms have led to more accidents.
They advise caution and delay backcountry outings until conditions improve.
The Alpine Rescue Corps conducted a helicopter rescue of Lindsey Vonn, the United States skier, after her crash during a competition in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 Galtür avalanche in Austria claimed 31 lives, marking one of the deadliest events in the Alps in decades. This disaster followed a series of avalanches that winter, including the Montroc avalanche, which killed 12. Historical patterns of avalanche fatalities, such as the Winter of Terror in 1950-1951, underscore the ongoing need for improved safety measures and avalanche forecasting in mountainous regions.

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Story summary

In Italy, 13 backcountry skiers, climbers, and hikers have died in avalanches in the week due to unstable snowpack on slopes away from monitored Olympic sites.
Rescuers noted that recent snowstorms have led to more accidents.
They advise caution and delay backcountry outings until conditions improve.
The Alpine Rescue Corps conducted a helicopter rescue of Lindsey Vonn, the United States skier, after her crash during a competition in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

1 / 2