Story perspectives

U.S. Warns of Extreme Avalanche Risks in Europe

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. State Department warns of avalanche danger in Austria, Switzerland, and France, urging Americans to monitor forecasts.
Parts of Austria’s Tyrol and Vorarlberg are at Danger Level 4, indicating extreme risk.
A dramatic avalanche struck a train near Zermatt, Switzerland, on February 17, with no injuries.
Passengers were stranded for two hours before a safe evacuation, and Europe has had avalanche fatalities, including eight skiers in California's deadliest avalanche.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 Galtür avalanche in Austria, which killed 31 people, underscored the dangers of winter sports in the Alps. This incident followed the 1950-1951 "Winter of Terror," when 649 avalanches claimed around 265 lives across the region. Increased avalanche risks, indicated by Danger Level 4, continue to prompt safety warnings, highlighting the need for better monitoring in popular tourist areas.

1 of 2

Story summary

The U.S. State Department warns of avalanche danger in Austria, Switzerland, and France, urging Americans to monitor forecasts.
Parts of Austria’s Tyrol and Vorarlberg are at Danger Level 4, indicating extreme risk.
A dramatic avalanche struck a train near Zermatt, Switzerland, on February 17, with no injuries.
Passengers were stranded for two hours before a safe evacuation, and Europe has had avalanche fatalities, including eight skiers in California's deadliest avalanche.

1 / 2