Five Climbers Die in Avalanche in Alps

Over the weekend, five climbers were killed when an avalanche struck near the summit of Cima Vertana in the Ortler Alps, northern Italy, at about 3,500 metres. Two other climbers survived and were airlifted to hospital.

The victims were climbing in three separate groups, and the avalanche appears to have been triggered at around 4 p.m., possibly influenced by recent heavy snowfall and wind‑loaded snow on steep terrain. Rescue efforts were complicated by weather and terrain, and authorities have opened an investigation into the tragedy.

The 2024 research paper Avalanche Accidents in Italy Over the Past 10 Years, stated, “Mistakes, even fatal ones, are often made, which could be avoided with better planning before embarking on the outing. A vital point is to define the decision points at home; this unconsciously forces people to become aware of any signs of instability in the snowpack and look better beyond their tracks. Equally important is to create a close-knit group, not only from the point of view of sporting performance but similarly aware of choices, goals and risks.”

The recent event in the Ortler Alps reinforces that snow and ice hazards remain dynamic and dangerous in the mountains. Fresh snowfall, wind‑transport, steep slopes and late-day exposure are recurring risk factors. Always check avalanche conditions before heading out.

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