A 22-year-old Dutch-Swiss man died this weekend after being caught in an avalanche while skiing off-piste in Verbier, Switzerland. The man was skiing at approximately 2,600 meters when he was swept away, RTL reported.
Two rescue helicopters were deployed, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said more than 100 people have died in European ski areas this season due to heavy snowfall and unstable snow layers.
Heavy snowfall and rain have increased avalanche risks across the Alps, with warnings in effect throughout France, Switzerland, and Austria. Authorities said staying on marked ski runs largely eliminates the risk of avalanches.
In a separate incident in Austria, a 52-year-old Dutch man died while skiing off-piste near Zell am Ziller, Tirol. He had been skiing with his wife and daughter, who remained on the marked trails. After he failed to appear at a planned meeting point, ski patrol found him buried upside down in snow. He was resuscitated on site and taken to a hospital, where he later died.
This weekend’s fatalities follow a series of avalanche-related deaths in Europe. On Friday, five people died in Austria, and Saturday brought two more fatalities in the country. Earlier this week, a 71-year-old Dutch skier died in an avalanche.
Popular Austrian ski resorts, including Lech and Zürs, were temporarily inaccessible due to avalanche threats. The Arlberg Pass has since reopened, but authorities warned that avalanche danger remains high.