RATSCHINGS, SOUTH TYROL — An avalanche killed two skiers and injured five others at 11:40 a.m. local time on the slopes of Hohe Ferse near Ratschings in South Tyrol, Italy. The avalanche struck 25 skiers in high alpine terrain at an altitude of around 2,400 meters (7,874 feet).
The avalanche occurred on the slopes of the 2,669-meter (8,757-foot) Hohe Ferse, also known as Monte Tallone Grande, near the border with Austria. Three skiers were seriously injured and two were lightly injured in the incident.
The rescue operation involved six helicopters and around 80 rescuers from CNSAS, the Alpine Association, police, and firefighters. The avalanche took place at 1040 GMT.
European Avalanche Warning Services reports that avalanche fatalities average 100 per season. As of March 16, this avalanche season, which began on October 1, had 127 reported avalanche fatalities across Europe. Italy had recorded 33 avalanche fatalities this season as of March 16, while France had 31 and Austria had 29. In early February, a record 13 skiers died on slopes during one week.