Two Finnish tourists have died in an avalanche in northern Italy after being caught while skiing outside marked slopes, according to Italian public broadcaster Rai.
The avalanche occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Alps in the South Tyrol region, near the village of Solda. Italian authorities received the first alert shortly before 1.30 pm local time.
Rai reported that the victims were Finnish nationals engaged in freeriding on an off-piste slope when the avalanche struck.
Alto Adige media said the victims were aged between 50 and 60. Rai reported that both were men.
Rescue services said one person was pulled alive from the snow. The survivor alerted rescuers to the presence of two companions buried in the avalanche.
According to the Italian Alpine Rescue Service, the avalanche released on the slopes of Punta Beltovo, an area accessible from nearby ski lifts. The victims were skiing outside marked pistes when they were caught.
Italian media reported that the avalanche was only noticed after emergency services were alerted to a second avalanche in the same area, close to the Madriccio mountain hut. That second slide did not cause injuries.
Italian Alpine Rescue confirmed that the two Finnish tourists were located using avalanche transceivers. One was found under about 60 centimetres of snow and the other beneath a layer measuring around 1.5 metres. Both were declared dead at the scene.
Rai reported that the survivor was seen digging in the snow from a helicopter before rescuers landed. Searches continued for some time amid concerns that others might have been involved, but authorities later said no further victims were found.
Local authorities said multiple avalanches have occurred in the South Tyrol region during the winter season. Conditions remain under close monitoring.
In Finland, the incident was first reported by Ilta-Sanomat.
HT