Rescuers stated on Monday that at least 12 skiers, climbers, and hikers lost their lives in the past week in a historic tragedy across Italy’s mountainous regions.
While officials noted that 11 of the 12 victims died in avalanches sparked by extremely unstable conditions on unmaintained backcountry slopes, The Associated Press tallied 13 fatalities.
The events happened right as the Winter Olympics kicked off in the region last Friday. Officials emphasized that the competition venues — situated in Lombardy near the Swiss border, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Veneto, and Val di Fiemme in Trentino — remain safe, well-kept, and closely monitored.
Italy’s specialized mountain rescue group disclosed that the deadly incidents were due to weak layers of fresh snow, so unstable that a single person’s movement could set off an avalanche.
The primary problem stems from “persistent weak layers in the snowpack, often covered by fresh snow or wind — conditions that make snow slides unpredictable and easily triggered by even a single skier or mountaineer,” according to the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps. “There are numerous dangerous spots, and they’re hard to identify even for experts.”
Federico Catania, spokesperson for Italy’s Alpine Rescue Corps, added that recent snowstorms have led visitors to take advantage of fresh slopes, “and consequently, the number of accidents — and thus fatalities — has risen proportionally,” The AP reported.
Vigili del Fuoco, Italy’s national fire and rescue service, said that over the weekend, two people died and one was severely injured in Alpe Meriggio, Valtellina, after being caught in an avalanche that fatally buried at least one victim.
The Associated Press also noted three avalanche deaths in Trentino and one in neighboring South Tyrol.
Another two people were said to have died in separate avalanches near the Marmolada glacier, along the Apennine Range, and an ice climber perished in Valle d’Aosta.
Beyond these regions, Catania told The AP that those skiing in managed areas should not face major risks.
“Skiers in managed resorts face no danger, and the Olympic venues are especially risk-free,” Catania stated. “All these areas are continuously monitored and generally safe regardless of Olympic events.”
Before the Winter Olympics began, Vigili del Fuoco announced that teams would uphold safety protocols for all site visitors.
“For the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Italian National Fire Brigade has implemented an enhanced rescue framework to ensure the safety of athletes, delegations, spectators, and residents, while also maintaining regular service operations,” the organization said.