13 Alpine Deaths in 10 Days
Thirteen backcountry skiers, climbers, and hikers have died in the Italian Alps over the past ten days, with 10 fatalities from avalanche-related incidents. The deaths are occurring in areas frequented by recreational adventurers, not just remote terrain, highlighting critical avalanche safety concerns as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue. Meanwhile, ski mountaineering is making its Olympic debut this week, with competitors racing both up and down ungroomed slopes.
- The 13 fatalities in a single week represent a record for the Italian mountains, according to the country's Alpine Rescue Corps. - An exceptionally unstable snowpack was to blame for the avalanches, caused by heavy, wind-swept snow falling on top of weak, deeper layers. This led to authorities raising the avalanche risk to Level 4 ("high") in some areas. - The deaths were widespread, occurring across the Alpine crescent in regions including Lombardy, Trentino, and South Tyrol, with two separate fatal avalanches happening near the Marmolada glacier. - In addition to the ten skiers who died in avalanches, the victims included two hikers and an ice climber who died in other mountain-related incidents. - On average, about 100 people die in avalanches in Europe each year; the first six weeks of 2026 had already seen at least 77 fatalities across the continent. - While the backcountry conditions proved fatal, officials stated there was no danger to Olympic sites, which are closely monitored and managed to ensure safety. - A recent off-trail avalanche on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif on February 15th killed two more skiers, highlighting the ongoing dangerous conditions. - Climate change is contributing to an increase in some Alpine hazards, such as rockfalls due to thawing permafrost, and is shifting avalanche patterns, with a potential for more wet-snow avalanches.
