On Friday afternoon, tragedy struck in the Tyrolean district of Landeck when a woman died in an avalanche in Serfaus. The winter athlete was completely buried and despite the efforts of the emergency services, could only be recovered dead.
The avalanche occurred in an open ski area in Serfaus and was reportedly triggered by the woman herself, according to the Komperdell cable car. The avalanche cone was 30 meters wide and 80 meters long. Unfortunately, the athlete did not have an avalanche transceiver (LVS) with her, which would have allowed the rescue team to locate her more quickly.
The search operation involved more than 55 emergency services personnel from mountain rescue, ski schools, cable cars, and a search dog squadron with three avalanche search dogs. Additionally, two police helicopters were dispatched to the scene. The rescue operation was hampered by the dangerous snow conditions and the lack of an avalanche transceiver.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released, and the community is mourning her loss. This incident has served as a tragic reminder of the importance of taking necessary safety precautions when engaging in winter sports. Skiers and snowboarders are urged to check the avalanche risk before venturing out and to always carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe.
The state of Tyrol had issued a warning about increasing avalanche danger due to mild weather conditions just the day before the incident. The avalanche warning service had issued a warning level of three on the five-part scale, which is known to be responsible for most accidents, according to Patrick Nairz from the service.
This tragedy is a somber reminder that winter sports can be dangerous and unpredictable. In addition to carrying the appropriate safety equipment, skiers and snowboarders are urged to stay within marked boundaries and to follow the instructions of trained professionals.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time. This tragic incident highlights the need for increased awareness of the risks of winter sports and the importance of taking necessary precautions to minimize those risks.