Overview
- The slide struck the Couloir Vesses freeride route around 11 a.m. local time on Sunday, sweeping three off‑piste skiers to their deaths.
- Fifteen rescuers with three canine units and two helicopters, including teams from Valdostan Alpine Rescue and the Guardia di Finanza, conducted the search.
- The Aosta Valley was under level‑3 avalanche danger, with officials citing persistent weak layers that can release with the passage of a single skier.
- Officials had not confirmed the victims’ identities or nationalities; Italian authorities said they were thought to be French, a detail not verified by France.
- The tragedy follows a record week in Italy with 13 mountain fatalities linked to unstable snowpacks and other deadly slides in the French Alps, while officials stress managed pistes and Olympic venues are being closely monitored and remain safe.