Overview
- Italy's Alpine Rescue Corps said 13 backcountry skiers, climbers and hikers died over the past week, including 10 in avalanches tied to an exceptionally unstable snowpack.
- Fresh storms and strong winds deposited new snow over weak internal layers across the Alpine arc, creating conditions where small triggers can release large avalanches, spokesman Federico Catania said.
- The fatalities were recorded on ungroomed terrain in Lombardy, Trentino and South Tyrol, including two separate slides in the Marmolada area, plus two hikers on the Apennines and an ice climber in Valle d'Aosta.
- Officials emphasized that groomed resort runs and Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic competition venues are actively monitored and currently considered safe for the public and athletes.
- Rescue services urged people to check avalanche bulletins and delay backcountry outings until the snowpack consolidates, noting that Europe’s season has already seen dozens of avalanche deaths.