Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Weekend Alpine Avalanches Kill Six as Italy Confirms Four Dead and France Reports Two

Rescue agencies issue urgent cautions over a deceptive, unstable snowpack under level‑3 hazard.

Overview

  • Authorities say four people died and 14 were temporarily buried in multiple avalanches across northern Italy on February 7, with French officials confirming two additional ski‑touring deaths in the Hautes‑Alpes.
  • In Valtellina, a slide swept three ski tourers, killing two men aged 35 and 46 and leaving a 53‑year‑old seriously injured and airlifted to Sondrio hospital.
  • Two separate avalanches in Trentino each claimed a life, including a 40‑year‑old recovered near Forte Buso who later died in hospital and 41‑year‑old Alex Farronato at the Marmolada’s Punta Rocca.
  • Mountain rescue services warn of highly unstable conditions tied to recent weather patterns, reporting 11 mountain fatalities in Italy over the past week and urging postponement of off‑piste outings.
  • Investigations have been opened by Italian police, and Belluno’s police reported charging a skier for triggering a 20‑meter off‑piste avalanche after rescuing him.