Eight people killed in three separate avalanche accidents in Austria were citizens of the Czech Republic and Austria, authorities said on Sunday.
The deadliest incident on Saturday occurred in the Grossarl Valley in the state of Salzburg, where three men aged 53, 63 and 65 were killed. A 60-year-old woman also died after being buried by snow.
The victims were part of a group on an alpine ski course offered by the Austrian Alpine Club, the organisation announced on Sunday.
“Risk competence and safety awareness are top priorities in our courses. This accident hurts deeply,” said Jörg Randl, head of mountain sports for the club.
“The alpine community mourns with the relatives,” said Wolfgang Schnabl, the Austrian Alpine Club president.
In the state of Styria, three other people were caught in an avalanche in the Murtal region. All three victims were Czech nationals and rescue efforts were unsuccessful. Recovery of the bodies was scheduled for Sunday.