An avalanche in the Italian Alps has left two people dead and five others injured, after sweeping through a group of ski mountaineers over the weekend.
The slide struck around midday on March 21 in Val Ridanna, a high-alpine valley in northern Italy near the Austrian border. At the time, 25 skiers were skiing terrain at roughly 7,800 feet when the avalanche released.
According to Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico (CNSAS), two individuals were killed. Three others sustained serious injuries, while two suffered minor injuries. Authorities have not released additional details on the remaining members.
A large-scale rescue effort followed, with six helicopters and dozens of responders, including alpine rescue teams, firefighters, law enforcement, and search dogs, mobilized to the scene.
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The incident adds to an already deadly winter across Europe. Data from the European Avalanche Warning Services shows 127 avalanche fatalities during the 2025–2026 season, surpassing the annual average of around 100. Italy has recorded the highest number of deaths this season, followed by France and Austria.
As unstable snowpack and increased backcountry traffic continue to intersect, the risks remain high; even for experienced groups traveling in alpine terrain.
Chris FureyEditorial Writer
I’m an extreme sport athlete focused on speedflying, foiling, wakesurfing, skiing, and climbing. I’m deeply interested in extreme sports films, videos, and media; especially the role storytelling plays in capturing progression, risk, and the realities behind heavy moments.