Trending Now - Avalanche in South Tyrol Claims 2 Lives, Traps 25 Skiers
WHO:
Two skiers (names not provided) died in the avalanche.
Five others were injured, including three seriously and two lightly.
The mountain rescue service (CNSAS) and local authorities participated in the rescue operation.
Approximately 80 rescuers from CNSAS, the Alpine Association, police, and firefighters were involved.
WHAT:
The avalanche occurred at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) on the slopes of the 2,669-meter (8,757-foot) Hohe Ferse (Monte Tallone Grande).
A Polish man was killed by an avalanche a few days prior to March 21st, 2026, in the same region.
The European Avalanche Warning Services reported that fatalities average 100 per season, with 127 reported deaths this season starting October 1st, 2025, including 33 in Italy, 31 in France, and 29 in Austria.
In early February 2026, a record 13 skiers died on the slopes during one week, including 10 in avalanches.
An avalanche occurred, killing two skiers and injuring five others.
A total of 25 skiers were caught in the avalanche.
Six helicopters were dispatched for the rescue operation.
The avalanche warning for the region was evaluated as between low and moderate.
As of March 16th, 2026, there were 127 reported avalanche deaths in Europe since October 1st, 2025.
WHERE:
The avalanche occurred in the Italian Alps, specifically in the Trentino-Alto Adige region.
The incident took place on the slopes of the Hohe Ferse (Monte Tallone Grande) near the town of Ratschings, close to the border with Austria.
WHEN:
The avalanche happened on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at 11:40 a.m. local time (10:40 GMT).
The reported avalanche deaths in Europe were from the season starting October 1st, 2025.
WHY:
Experts attributed the high number of avalanche deaths this season to an exceptionally unstable snowpack and increased skiing activity on off-piste slopes following heavy snowstorms.
Climate experts suggested that rising temperatures and stronger winds contributed to snow instability.
HOW:
The rescue operation involved coordination among around 80 rescuers from CNSAS, the Alpine Association, police, and firefighters, along with the deployment of six helicopters.
The rescue operation involved the use of six helicopters and coordination among various rescue teams and local authorities.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:38 UTC)
An avalanche struck the slopes of Hohe Ferse, also known as Monte Tallone Grande, at an altitude of about 2,400 meters, resulting in a tragic loss of life just days after a Polish man was killed in the same area. The European Avalanche Warning Services reported that this season has seen a total of 127 fatalities, with 33 in Italy alone, and a record 13 skiers lost their lives during one week in February. Rescue efforts involved around 80 responders, including CNSAS, the Alpine Association, police, and firefighters, along with six helicopters deployed to assist in the operation.
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(UPDATED March 21, 2026 21:01 UTC)
An avalanche in the Italian Alps on Saturday, March 21, 2026, tragically claimed the lives of two skiers and injured five others, three of them seriously. The incident, which occurred near the town of Ratschings in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, involved around 80 rescuers from various agencies, including the mountain rescue service and local authorities, who utilized six helicopters in the rescue operation. Experts have noted that this season has seen a high number of avalanche deaths due to an unstable snowpack and increased skiing activity following heavy snowstorms, with a total of 127 reported avalanche fatalities in Europe since October 1, 2025.